The Asian Football Confederation has praised “a groundbreaking agreement” between the Saudi and Iranian soccer federations that lets their teams host each other in home and away games instead of seeking neutral ground.
Al Nassr, Ronaldo's team, is scheduled to play Persepolis in Tehran on Sept. 19. The return game on Nov. 27 will be played in Riyadh.
The 2015 Asian Champions League edition was the last time Saudi and Iranian teams faced each other on home turf in the group stage or knockout rounds.
The Asian Champions League draw was held on Aug. 24 and created Iran-Saudi matches in three of the five groups in the western part of the continent. Five more four-team groups play in the east region.
Al Hilal, Neymar's team, is scheduled to play in Iran against Nassaji Mazandaran on Oct. 2. Al Ittihad, Benzema’s team, is scheduled to face Sepahan on the same day.
The return games in Saudi Arabia are set for Dec. 12.
“Passionate fans across Saudi Arabia, Iran and the whole of Asia can now look forward to a thrilling new chapter in club and national team football,” the AFC said Monday, adding the countries’ teams will “battle in the spirit of competition and camaraderie.”
At the men’s national team level, Saudi Arabia and Iran last faced each other in 2012.
