Doha: The Qatar Stars League on Monday announced the specifics of the 2025-26 QSL Cup, which is set to commence on September 1.
This announcement was made during the drawing ceremony that took place at the Torch Hotel. A total of 20 teams will participate, categorized into five levels, each comprising four teams. The classification into these five levels was determined by the final standings of the teams in the First Division and Second Division Leagues from the previous season (2024-2025). According to the tournament format, during the league stage, each team will compete in 10 matches over a span of 10 weeks against teams from various levels (two matches from each of the five levels).
The initial round will consist of 10 matches, including Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd, Al Shahania vs Al Sailiya, Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi, Al Markhiya vs Muaither, Al Ahli vs Al Duhail, Al Rayyan vs Qatar SC, Al Shamal vs Umm Salal, Al Kharaitiyat vs Lusail, Al Khor vs Al Bidda, and Al Waab vs Mesaimeer.
Under the new tournament regulations, each team’s match roster will permit the inclusion of six foreign professional players. Additionally, youth and reserve players will also be eligible to participate.
The tournament regulations specify that the teams finishing in first and second place will qualify directly for the quarter-finals. Teams ranked from third to fourteenth will also progress to the next stage, where six knockout matches will be held, allowing six teams to advance to the quarter-finals. This structure will similarly apply to the semifinals and the final.
The tournament’s technical meeting was also held, attended by representatives of the Foundation, the participating clubs, and the Referees Department of the Qatar Football Association, where the new rules and regulations were reviewed.
In this context, QSL Director of Competitions Ahmed Salman Al Adsani, confirmed in a statement that the new system aligns with the latest systems employed in several continental and international tournaments. This is part of a development plan that includes improving technical standards and increasing the number of matches.
He added that the goal of the tournament is to provide young players with an opportunity to gain experience, in addition to developing competitions for Second Division teams.
Al Duhail won the title of the thirteenth edition of the tournament last season after defeating Al Arabi 2-1. Al Duhail and Al Gharafa are the most successful teams with three titles, followed by Al Sadd and Al Sailiya with two titles each. Al Wakrah, Qatar SC, El Jaish, and Umm Salal all won one title each.
