Alkass English
Defending champions Al Sadd will launch their Qatar Stars League (QSL) title defense against Qatar SC on August 16 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, rounding out the opening round of fixtures for the 2025–26 season. The Wolves claimed last season’s title with a narrow two-point edge over Al Duhail, and preparations for their campaign will begin on July 5 before they head to Spain for preseason training and four friendly matches, returning to Doha on August 4.
The QSL officially unveiled the schedule for the first three rounds, with remaining fixtures to follow after the draws for the AFC Champions League Elite, ACL 2, and Gulf Club Champions League, as well as the Qatar national team calendar. Coordination with clubs involved in external competitions will ensure their QSL matches are adjusted to support continental and international commitments.
The league kicks off on August 14 with Amir Cup runners-up Al Rayyan taking on newly promoted Al Sailiya at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. That match will be followed by Al Shamal facing Al Ahli at Khalifa International Stadium. On August 15, Al Arabi meet Al Wakrah at Al Thumama Stadium, while Amir Cup champions and QSL third-place finishers Al Gharafa will clash with Umm Salal at Al Bayt Stadium.
QSL runners-up Al Duhail, now led by returning head coach Djamel Belmadi, will begin their campaign on the same night as Al Sadd, with a matchup against Al Shahania at Khalifa International Stadium. All first six rounds of the league will take place at air-conditioned venues.
Round two is scheduled for August 21 to 23, and the third round will run from August 28 to 30, featuring standout fixtures such as the high-stakes Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail derby and Al Sadd’s clash with Al Gharafa.
QSL 2025–26 Fixtures (First 3 Rounds)
Week 1?Thursday, August 14?Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium – 18:30?Al Shamal vs Al Ahli – Khalifa International Stadium – 20:30
Friday, August 15?Al Arabi vs Al Wakrah – Al Thumama Stadium – 18:30?Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal – Al Bayt Stadium – 20:30
Saturday, August 16?Al Duhail vs Al Shahaniya – Khalifa International Stadium – 18:30?Al Sadd vs Qatar SC – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium – 20:30
Week 2?Thursday, August 21?Qatar SC vs Al Sailiya – Al Bayt Stadium – 18:30?Al Ahli vs Al Sadd – Al Thumama Stadium – 20:30
Friday, August 22?Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium – 18:30?Al Shamal vs Al Rayyan – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium – 20:30
Saturday, August 23?Umm Salal vs Al Shahaniya – Al Bayt Stadium – 18:30?Al Duhail vs Al Wakrah – Khalifa International Stadium – 20:30
Week 3?Thursday, August 28?Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium – 18:30?Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium – 20:30
Friday, August 29?Al Arabi vs Umm Salal – Al Thumama Stadium – 18:30?Al Shahaniya vs Al Wakrah – Khalifa International Stadium – 20:30
Saturday, August 30?Al Sailiya vs Al Shamal – Al Bayt Stadium – 18:30?Qatar SC vs Al Ahli – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium – 20:30