Doha: Qatar Stars League (QSL) announced the match schedule for the first phase of Qatar Stars League competition for the 2025-2026 football season. In a statement, the League confirmed that the new season, which will kick off on August 14, will be held in air-conditioned stadiums during the first six rounds.
According to Qatar News Agency, matches of the opening round will be held over three days. Al-Sadd will begin their title defense campaign against Qatar SC at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on August 16. Meanwhile, Al-Rayyan and Al-Sailiya will open the season on August 14 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. On the same day, Al-Shamal will face Al-Ahli at Khalifa International Stadium. On August 15, Al-Arabi will meet Al-Wakrah at Al-Thumama Stadium, and Al-Gharafa will take on Umm Salal at Al-Bayt Stadium. The round concludes on August 16 with Al-Duhail facing Al-Shahania at Khalifa Stadium.
In the second round, starting on August 21, Qatar SC will play Al-Sailiya at Al-Bayt Stadium, and Al-Ahli will meet Al-Sadd at Al-Thumama Stadium. On August 22, Al-Gharafa will play Al-Arabi at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, while Al-Shamal faces Al-Rayyan at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
The round concludes on August 23, with Umm Salal playing Al-Sailiya at Al-Bayt Stadium, and Al-Duhail taking on Al-Wakrah at Khalifa Stadium.
The Qatar Stars League confirmed that the schedule will be updated from Round 4 through Round 11, following the draw for the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-2026, the AFC Champions League 2, and the Gulf Champions League, as well as the national team's program.
The League explained that coordination will be made with the clubs participating in external competitions once their match schedules are confirmed, to ensure alignment with the designated calendar days and to support them in all competitions.
It also noted that the second-phase fixtures will be announced later, based on the Qatar national team's schedule in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, as it will play in the fourth stage (intercontinental playoff) in October.
Al-Sadd won the league title last season with 52 points, two points ahead of Al-Duhail, who finished second with 50 points, while Al-Gharafa came in third with 41 points.