The countdown is on to the start of the 2026–27 ADNOC Pro League season, with the opening fixtures now confirmed following the league draw. Reigning champions Al Ain will be aiming to begin their title defence on a positive note after lifting a record-extending 15th league crown last season.
The opening round will feature the following fixtures:
Ahead of kick-off, here's a look back at how defending champions have performed in their opening match of the following season since the introduction of the professional era in 2008–09.
Opening-Day Record of Defending Champions
2009–10
Shabab Al Ahli (2008–09 champions)
Lost 3–1 to Al Wahda
2010–11
Al Wahda (2009–10 champions)
Lost 2–0 to Al Wasl
2011–12
Al Jazira (2010–11 champions)
Won 4–0 against Shabab Al Ahli
2012–13
Al Ain (2011–12 champions)
Lost 6–3 to Shabab Al Ahli
2013–14
Al Ain (2012–13 champions)
Lost 3–1 to Al Shabab
2014–15
Shabab Al Ahli (2013–14 champions)
Won 1–0 against Sharjah
2015–16
Al Ain (2014–15 champions)
Won 3–1 against Al Dhafra
2016–17
Shabab Al Ahli (2015–16 champions)
Won 4–0 against Emirates
2017–18
Al Jazira (2016–17 champions)
Won 1–0 against Ajman
2018–19
Al Ain (2017–18 champions)
Won 3–1 against Emirates
2019–20
Sharjah (2018–19 champions)
Won 2–0 against Khorfakkan (season later cancelled).
2021–22
Al Jazira (2020–21 champions)
Won 2–0 against Al Dhafra
2022–23
Al Ain (2021–22 champions)
Drew 1–1 with Ajman
2023–24
Shabab Al Ahli (2022–23 champions)
Won 3–0 against Ajman
2024–25
Al Wasl (2023–24 champions)
Drew 2–2 with Kalba
2025–26
Shabab Al Ahli (2024–25 champions)
Won 2–0 against Al Dhafra
With another season ready to begin, Al Ain will be looking to add their name to the list of defending champions who opened their title defence with victory, as the ADNOC Pro League prepares for another campaign of high-quality football and fierce competition.
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