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13 August 2026

The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have had a far-reaching impact across financial markets, and the effects are now beginning to be felt in the sporting world as well.

Earlier this year, Formula One chose to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, while the Qatar Grand Prix was shifted to Malaysia.

Now, in football too, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has decided to move the Spanish Super Cup away from Saudi Arabia.

In an official statement, the RFEF confirmed that the 2027 edition of the Super Cup will take place in Istanbul at the Olympic Ataturk Stadium.

This marks a significant change from previous editions that were held in Saudi Arabia, a move that had helped the RFEF bring in considerable revenue.

The Ataturk Stadium most recently staged the UEFA Champions League final in 2023, which was won by Manchester City.

The RFEF stated that the 2027 Asian Cup is the main reason behind the decision to move the Super Cup to Istanbul.

However, the continuing tensions in the Middle East are also likely to have played an important role, especially as several other sporting bodies have also started temporarily relocating their events elsewhere.

The RFEF also confirmed that the Super Cup will return to Saudi Arabia in 2028.

Real Madrid last won the Spanish Super Cup in 2024.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad are the four teams set to take part in the 2027 Spanish Super Cup.

The tournament will be played from February 2 to February 7 at the Olympic Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, which means the entire competition will be held at a single venue.

It will be a must-win competition for Real Madrid, who have been outclassed by Barcelona in recent years.

Barcelona, in fact, have won three of the last four editions, with Real Madrid's most recent Spanish Super Cup triumph coming in 2024.