Mohamed Noor’s Saudi Super Cup Prediction Raises Eyebrows
Saudi football legend Mohamed Noor has made a bold prediction for the 2026 season, backing Al-Ittihad to win a remarkable collection of trophies. His forecast includes the Roshn Saudi League, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup and the AFC Champions League Elite. But one part of his prediction has left fans puzzled: Noor also named Al-Ittihad as his choice to lift the Saudi Super Cup, despite the Jeddah club not being among the teams taking part.
The four-team tournament is scheduled to be held in Kuwait from 19 to 23 December. Al-Nassr, Al-Kholood, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah are set to compete for the title, meaning Al-Ittihad cannot win the competition under the announced line-up. Noor’s comment has therefore become an unexpected talking point, adding an amusing twist to the discussion around the season’s likely winners.
What Mohamed Noor Said About the Season
Noor shared his views in a video published on the X account of the programme Nadeena. Asked to predict the winners of several major Saudi competitions, the former Al-Ittihad captain showed considerable faith in his old club. He tipped “The Dean” to claim every major trophy for which they are eligible, including the domestic league and cup as well as Asia’s top club competition.
His confidence was especially striking because Al-Ittihad’s current results have not yet placed them among the clear favourites across all fronts. The team have shown they can compete at a high level, but their league position and early continental form suggest that a trophy sweep would require a significant improvement. Noor’s forecast is best understood as a strong show of support for his former side—not a reflection of their current standing in every competition.
Why the Super Cup Pick Stood Out
The Saudi Super Cup prediction was the most confusing part of the clip. Unlike the other tournaments Noor mentioned, the Super Cup has a fixed field of four clubs, and Al-Ittihad are not included. The scheduled contenders are Al-Nassr, Al-Kholood, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah, leaving no route for the Jeddah team to reach the final or lift the trophy unless the competition’s format or participants change.
It is possible Noor misspoke, was joking, or simply continued naming Al-Ittihad out of loyalty while answering a rapid series of questions. The clip, as described, does not clarify his intention. Whatever the explanation, the mismatch between his pick and the confirmed line-up quickly made the prediction memorable. For supporters, it has also created a lively debate about whether the remark was a slip or a playful expression of confidence.
Al-Ittihad’s League Position and Form
Al-Ittihad’s challenge in the Roshn Saudi League is substantial. The club are fourth with 20 points, sitting five points behind leaders Al-Qadsiah, who have played one more match. That gap remains manageable over a long campaign, but the standings show that Al-Ittihad cannot afford many dropped points if they hope to turn Noor’s league prediction into reality.
A fourth-place position also reflects the competitive depth of Saudi football. Several ambitious clubs have invested heavily and strengthened their squads, making the title race less predictable than a simple contest between the traditional leading teams. To mount a serious challenge, Al-Ittihad will need consistency across the season, particularly in matches against direct rivals. Strong results in those fixtures could quickly change the table; further setbacks would make the chase more difficult.
A Tough Start in the AFC Champions League Elite
The continental picture is more concerning. Al-Ittihad are 11th in the West group of the AFC Champions League Elite, with one point from their opening two matches. They have recorded one draw and one defeat, leaving them without a win so far. While the group campaign still has time to develop, the team will need to respond quickly to avoid losing ground in the race to progress.
Continental football brings different pressures from the domestic league. Travel, short recovery periods and unfamiliar opponents can test a squad’s depth, while each result may carry significant consequences in a tightly contested group. Al-Ittihad’s immediate priority is to turn performances into victories and build momentum. A stronger run in Asia would also help restore confidence as the club pursues its domestic ambitions.
Can Noor’s Trophy Prediction Still Come True?
Predicting a clean sweep is always ambitious, especially when a club is competing in several demanding tournaments. Al-Ittihad have the history, fan support and resources to remain part of the conversation, but trophies depend on more than reputation. They require sustained form, effective squad management and the ability to deliver under pressure in decisive matches.
Noor’s forecast has consequently attracted attention not only because of the Super Cup error, but also because it sets a high bar for his former club. Al-Ittihad must close the league gap, improve their AFC Champions League Elite results and navigate the domestic cup if they are to approach the kind of season he has described. The prediction may be bold, but the campaign is still unfolding.
For now, the Saudi Super Cup race belongs to Al-Nassr, Al-Kholood, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah. Noor’s unexpected selection has added humour to the tournament conversation, while his wider prediction gives Al-Ittihad supporters plenty to hope for—and plenty to debate. Whether the Jeddah side can answer the challenge on the pitch will be one of the season’s most compelling football stories.
