Ayo Victor
DOHA: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has unveiled the fixture schedule for the first half of the 2026-27 Doha Bank Stars League season, with defending champions Al Sadd set to begin their title defence against Al Ahli as the new campaign gets underway on August 20.
In a statement yesterday, QSL confirmed that the season will kick off on August 20, 2026, with the dates and kick-off times for the opening three rounds approved. All matches during the first three rounds will be played at air-conditioned stadiums to ensure optimal conditions for players and fans.
The opening round will be staged over three days, beginning with two matches on August 20. Al Wakrah will take on Qatar SC at Lusail Stadium, while Al Rayyan will host newly promoted Lusail at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
The action continues on August 21, with Al Gharafa facing Al Shahania at Khalifa International Stadium, while Al Arabi will meet Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium.
Defending champions Al Sadd will launch their quest for a fourth successive league title on August 22 when they face Al Ahli at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. On the same day, Al Duhail will begin their campaign against Al Sailiya at Al Bayt Stadium.
The second round will commence on August 27, featuring Al Gharafa against Al Shamal at Khalifa International Stadium and a highly anticipated clash between Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.
On August 28, Al Ahli will meet newly promoted Lusail at Al Thumama Stadium, while Qatar SC will face reigning champions Al Sadd at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
The second round concludes on August 29 with Al Duhail taking on Al Arabi at Al Bayt Stadium, while Al Shahania will square off against Al Sailiya at Lusail Stadium.
QSL said the fixture list for Rounds Four to Eleven will be announced after the draws for the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two and Gulf Club Champions League are completed, as well as following confirmation of the Qatar national team’s international calendar.
The league body noted that it will coordinate closely with clubs competing in continental and regional tournaments to ensure domestic fixtures are aligned with their commitments on the international stage.
It also confirmed that the schedule for the second half of the season will be released at a later date once the national team’s programme has been finalised.
Al Sadd enter the new campaign as defending champions after securing their third consecutive Stars League crown last season. Al Shamal finished runners-up, while Al Rayyan claimed third place and Al Gharafa ended the campaign in fourth, setting the stage for another fiercely contested title race in the 2026-27 season.
