The Qatar Stars League has announced the opening schedule for the 2026–27 Doha Bank Stars League season, with the new campaign set to kick off on August 20, 2026.
According to QSL, the dates and timings for the first three rounds have been approved, with matches scheduled to take place at air-conditioned stadiums across Qatar.
The opening round will be played over three days, featuring six matches involving the league’s 12 participating clubs.
Al Wakrah and Qatar SC to open the season
The new season will begin on August 20 when Al Wakrah face Qatar SC at Lusail Stadium.
On the same day, Al Rayyan will take on newly promoted Lusail at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, marking Lusail’s first appearance in the Doha Bank Stars League.
The second day of the opening round will feature two fixtures. Al Gharafa will face Al Shahania at Khalifa International Stadium, while Al Arabi will meet Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium.
Al Sadd begin title defence against Al Ahli
Defending champions Al Sadd will open their campaign against Al Ahli at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on August 22.
The opening round will conclude on the same day when Al Duhail face Al Sailiya at Al Bayt Stadium.
Al Sadd enter the season after winning the league title for a third consecutive year. Al Shamal finished as runners-up last season, followed by Al Rayyan in third place and Al Gharafa in fourth.
Opening-round fixtures
- August 20: Al Wakrah vs Qatar SC — Lusail Stadium
- August 20: Al Rayyan vs Lusail — Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
- August 21: Al Gharafa vs Al Shahania — Khalifa International Stadium
- August 21: Al Arabi vs Al Shamal — Al Thumama Stadium
- August 22: Al Sadd vs Al Ahli — Jassim bin Hamad Stadium
- August 22: Al Duhail vs Al Sailiya — Al Bayt Stadium
Second round begins on August 27
The second round will begin on August 27, with Al Gharafa facing Al Shamal at Khalifa International Stadium.
Al Wakrah will also meet Al Rayyan at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on the same day.
On August 28, Al Ahli will face Lusail at Al Thumama Stadium, while Qatar SC will take on Al Sadd at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
The round will conclude on August 29, when Al Duhail meet Al Arabi at Al Bayt Stadium and Al Shahania face Al Sailiya at Lusail Stadium.
Second-round fixtures
- August 27: Al Gharafa vs Al Shamal — Khalifa International Stadium
- August 27: Al Wakrah vs Al Rayyan — Jassim bin Hamad Stadium
- August 28: Al Ahli vs Lusail — Al Thumama Stadium
- August 28: Qatar SC vs Al Sadd — Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
- August 29: Al Duhail vs Al Arabi — Al Bayt Stadium
- August 29: Al Shahania vs Al Sailiya — Lusail Stadium
Remaining schedule to be updated
QSL said the schedule from the fourth to the 11th rounds will be updated following the draws for the 2026–27 AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two and Gulf Club Champions League.
The league will also consider the final schedule of the Qatar national team when confirming the remaining fixtures.
Coordination will take place with clubs participating in continental and regional competitions to ensure domestic matches do not conflict with their external commitments.
The second-half schedule will be announced at a later stage after the national team’s final programme has been approved.
