The 1988 King Cup was the 30th season of the knockout competition since its establishment in 1956. Al-Nassr were the defending champions but they were eliminated by eventual champions Al-Ittihad in the semi-finals. Al-Ittihad won their 6th title after defeating Al-Ettifaq 1–0 in the final. This was the first final to be held in the King Fahd International Stadium. As winners of the tournament, Al-Ittihad qualified for the 1989 Arab Cup Winners' Cup.