Al Nassr begin their Saudi Pro League title defence under new head coach Ange Postecoglou with a significant absentee from the start. Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the club's opening two fixtures of the 2026-27 season, with reports confirming his absence is due to his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. The Portuguese captain only returned from the World Cup after Portugal's exit to Spain in the round of 16, and his delayed return to training has raised questions about his physical readiness for the new campaign.

The club's pre-season has been complicated by financial pressure off the pitch. Reports suggest Al Nassr carry debts of around 800 million Saudi riyals, yet the club still completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa from Real Mallorca. The Saudi Pro League held a press conference to clarify the financial regulations that permitted the deal despite the club's recorded obligations.

In the goalkeeping department, Al Nassr lost their pursuit of Saudi international Mohammed Al Owais, who returned to rivals Al Hilal. The club responded by securing a contract renewal with Raghd Al-Najjar, while also working to resolve the long-running situation around Nawaf Al-Aqidi, a goalkeeper whose future has caused friction during multiple transfer windows. Al Hilal's capture of Al Owais represents a setback in an area the club had targeted for reinforcement.

Al Nassr host Al Fateh at Al-Awwal Park on August 15, sitting one point clear of Al Hilal in the standings from last season, with the defending champions eager to start strongly despite the disruption surrounding their squad.