The 1978 King Cup was the 20th season of the knockout competition since its establishment in 1956. Al-Ahli were the defending champions and successfully defended the title, winning their second one in a row. Al-Ahli beat Al-Riyadh who became the first First Division side to reach the final. By winning both the 1977–78 Saudi Premier League and the 1978 King Cup, Al-Ahli became the first Saudi team to achieve the domestic double.