The 2026-27 ADIB Cup gets underway on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, with seven first-leg matches as clubs look to make a strong start before the return fixtures.
Two matches stand out in the opening round. Al Wasl host Al Ain at Zabeel Stadium on Saturday, while Al Jazira face Al Wahda at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday in an Abu Dhabi derby that brings the round to a high-profile finish.
Saturday’s action starts at 17:30, with Hatta hosting Shabab Al Ahli at Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, while Kalba face Khorfakkan at Kalba Stadium.
Hatta and Shabab Al Ahli have met twice before in the ADIB Cup, both in the 2017-18 quarter-finals. Kalba and Khorfakkan have faced each other three times in the competition, including a goalless draw in the 2019 group stage.
At 20:15, Ajman host Sharjah at Rashid Bin Saeed Stadium. Their five previous ADIB Cup meetings have produced one win for each side and three draws.
At the same time, Al Wasl welcome Al Ain in one of the biggest matches of the round. Al Ain hold a narrow advantage in their ADIB Cup head-to-head record, with three wins compared with two for Al Wasl, while one match ended in a draw.
The two clubs also have identical experience in the competition’s group stage, having each played 81 matches. Al Ain have recorded 40 wins, 21 draws and 20 defeats, while Al Wasl have 37 wins, 17 draws and 27 losses.
Sunday’s action begins with Al Nasr against United at Al Maktoum Stadium at 17:30. It will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs.
At 20:15, Al Dhafra host Bani Yas at Hamdan Bin Zayed Stadium. The teams have met seven times previously in the ADIB Cup, with every match producing a winner. Al Dhafra have four victories, compared with three for Bani Yas.
The opening round concludes at the same time with Al Jazira against Al Wahda at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.
The two Abu Dhabi clubs have met 14 times in the competition, with Al Jazira winning nine, Al Wahda two and three matches ending in draws.
Recent history at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, however, favours Al Wahda. They are unbeaten in their last three ADIB Cup matches at the venue, including a 1-0 win over Al Ain in the 2023-24 final, a 3-0 victory over Al Jazira in the 2025-26 semi-final and a goalless draw against Al Ain before winning on penalties in last season’s final.
Send feedback
