The final preparations for the 2026-27 season are well underway, with teams getting set for the start of another grueling campaign.

As teams prepare, federations are also finalising the logistical arrangements needed to ensure their tournaments run smoothly.

In one such arrangement, Spain's football federation, RFEF, has officially announced Istanbul as the venue for the 2027 Spanish Super Cup.

This marks the first time that the competition will take place outside Saudi Arabia since 2020.

The decision to take the tournament to the Middle East six years ago was strategic, as it helped to secure significant revenue for RFEF and the participating teams.

Istanbul to Host 2027 Spanish Super Cup at Ataturk Olympic Stadium

The 2027 edition of the Super Cup will take place between the 2nd and 7th of February in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Ataturk Olympic Stadium, venue of the 2005 and 2023 UEFA Champions League finals, will host all three games in the mini-tournament.

The decision represents a significant opportunity for Turkish football organisers, who have managed to secure one of the most lucrative mini-tournament formats in Europe.

Riyadh Season will continue to sponsor the tournament, even as it will not take place in Saudi Arabia this year.

Why the Spanish Super Cup Is Leaving Saudi Arabia in 2027

The official reason for the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup is the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The tournament is set to take place in Saudi Arabia at the start of the year and will coincide with the Super Cup.

An agreement allows Saudi Arabia to continue hosting the event until 2030, but this year's extraordinary circumstances will put a pause to the arrangement.

Earlier this year, Qatar was thought of as an alternative option to host the tournament, but the plans were quickly shelved in favour of Istanbul.

The volatile situation in the Middle East, amid ongoing conflicts in the region, has led the RFEF to look away from Doha, Qatar, as a potential host.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Madrid Rivals Set for Istanbul Showdown

The Spanish Super Cup features the top two sides from La Liga and the Copa del Rey from the previous season.

For the 2027 edition, La Liga will be represented by champions Barcelona and runners-up Real Madrid.

The Copa del Rey will be represented by finalists Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid.

The semi-finals will pit the winners of one competition against the runners-up of the other in one-off clashes.

Barcelona will face Copa del Rey runners-up Atletico Madrid, while Real Madrid will take on Copa del Rey winners Real Sociedad for a place in the final.