Doha: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has announced the first-half match schedule for the Doha Bank Stars League football season 2026-2027.
According to Qatar News Agency, the new season is set to begin on August 20, 2026, with the dates and times for the initial three rounds of matches already approved. These matches will be held in air-conditioned stadiums to ensure optimal conditions for players and fans alike.
The opening round will extend over three days. Al Sadd, the defending champions, are scheduled to start their title defense against Al Ahli at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on August 22. The season will officially kick off with Al Wakrah facing Qatar SC at Lusail Stadium on August 20. Later that day, Al Rayyan will go up against league newcomers Lusail at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
The second day of the first round will see Al Gharafa competing against Al Shahania at Khalifa International Stadium, while Al Arabi will clash with Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium. On August 22, Al Duhail is set to meet Al Sailiya at Al Bayt Stadium.
In the second round, starting on August 27, Al Gharafa will play against Al Shamal at Khalifa International Stadium, and Al Wakrah will face Al Rayyan at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. On the following day, Al Ahli will compete with Lusail at Al Thumama Stadium, while Qatar SC will challenge Al Sadd at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The second round will wrap up on August 29, with Al Duhail taking on Al Arabi at Al Bayt Stadium and Al Shahania facing Al Sailiya at Lusail Stadium.
QSL has indicated that the schedule for rounds four through eleven will be updated following the draws for the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two, and Gulf Club Champions League, as well as the approval of the national team's schedule. Coordination with clubs participating in these continental and regional competitions will ensure that the league schedule accommodates their external commitments.
The announcement of the second-half schedule will follow the finalization of the national team's matches. Al Sadd, having secured the league title last season for the third time in a row, will look to continue their successful run, while Al Shamal, Al Rayyan, and Al Gharafa aim to build on their previous season standings.