Football fans are kicking off the new year with a packed schedule of exciting matches, as Thursday, January 1, 2026, features a host of thrilling fixtures across various stadiums worldwide and in the Arab world. These matches hold particular significance as they mark the start of the new year, a time when European leagues, especially the English Premier League, typically see peak competition during the winter break, in addition to the intense rivalry in Arab leagues.
Premier League fixtures
All eyes are on English football as the compressed fixture schedule known as the "holiday period" continues. This period is crucial in shaping the title race and the fight against relegation, given the close proximity of matches and the physical strain it puts on teams' squads. Today's clash between Liverpool and Leeds United stands out as a classic English football encounter, while Manchester City will look to maintain their dominance against Sunderland.
- 8:30 PM: Liverpool vs Leeds United
- 8:30 PM: Crystal Palace vs Fulham (Mini London Derby)
- 11:00 PM: Sunderland vs Manchester City
- 11:00 PM: Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur
Yellow Saudi League match schedule
Domestically in Saudi Arabia, the excitement continues in the First Division League (Yello League), which has witnessed a remarkable improvement in technical and competitive levels in recent years. Today's matches are crucial for teams aspiring to promotion to the Saudi Professional League, where dropping points is unacceptable.
- 3:35 PM: Al-Oruba vs Al-Jandal (The exciting Northern derby)
- 3:35 PM: Al-Ta'i vs Al-Zulfi
- 6:00 PM: Al-Faisaly vs Al-Raed (A tough match between two teams with a lot of experience)
Egyptian League Cup match schedule
In Egypt, fans are eagerly anticipating a highly anticipated football clash between Al-Ittihad and Zamalek in the League Cup. This tournament represents a golden opportunity for clubs to secure a domestic title and give new players a chance to shine, and matches between Al-Ittihad and Zamalek are always characterized by intense rivalry and huge fan excitement.
- 6:00 PM: Al-Ittihad Alexandria vs. Zamalek
We remind you that the times mentioned are in Mecca and Cairo time, and it is recommended to follow the broadcasting channels to confirm any emergency changes that may occur at the last minute.
