Al Sadd players celebrate with the Falcon Shield after being crowned as the QSL champions in this April 18, 2025 file photo.
Doha, Qatar: Defending champions Al Sadd will kick off their Qatar Stars League (QSL) title defence with a clash against Qatar SC as the first-leg fixtures for the top-flight season were unveiled yesterday.
The QSL announced the complete schedule of the first three rounds with the remainder to be announced following “the draws for the Asian Champions League (ACL) Elite, ACL 2 and the Gulf Club Champions League as well as the schedule of the Qatar national team.”
“Coordination will be conducted with clubs participating in external tournaments after their matches are scheduled to be rescheduled on specified dates in the calendar, to support them in all their participations,” the QSL said yesterday.
Al Sadd, who won the QSL title with a two-point lead over Al Duhail, will host Qatar SC at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on August 16 – third and final day of the first round.
The Wolves will start preparing for the new season from July 5 and will depart to Spain on July 16 for a preseason training camp where they will also play four training matches before returning home on August 4.
Meanwhile, QSL runners-up Al Duhail – under new coach Djamel Belmadi – will also open their campaign the same day when they will meet Al Shahania at Khalifa International Stadium.
The QSL will get underway on August 14 with Amir Cup runners-up Al Rayyan taking on promoted Sailiya in the opening match at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. It will be followed by a clash between Al Shamal and Al Ahli at Khalifa International Stadium.
Al Arabi and Al Wakrah will square off the following day at Al Thumama Stadium before reigning Amir Cup champions Al Gharafa, who finished third in the QSL, will take on Umm Salal at Al Bayt Stadium.
The QSL said all the matches of the first six rounds will take place at the air-conditioned venues.
The second round will be played from August 21 to 23 while the third round is scheduled from August 28 to 30.
QSL FIXTURES
Week 1
Thursday, August 14
Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium - 18:30
Al Shamal vs Al Ahli - Khalifa International Stadium - 20:30
Friday, August 15
Al Arabi vs Al Wakrah - Al Thumama Stadium - 18:30
Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal - Al Bayt Stadium - 20:30
Saturday, August 16
Al Duhail vs Al Shahaniya - Khalifa International Stadium - 18:30
Al Sadd vs Qatar SC - Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium - 20:30
Week 2
Thursday, August 21
Qatar SC vs Al Sailiya - Al Bayt Stadium - 18:30
Al Ahli vs Al Sadd - Al Thumama Stadium - 20:30
Friday, August 22
Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium - 18:30
Al Shamal vs Al Rayyan - Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium - 20:30
Saturday, August 23
Umm Salal vs Al Shahaniya - Al Bayt Stadium - 18:30
Al Duhail vs Al Wakrah - Khalifa International Stadium - 20:30
Week 3
Thursday, August 28
Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium - 18:30
Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa - Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium - 20:30
Friday, August 29
Al Arabi vs Umm Salal - Al Thumama Stadium - 18:30
Al Shahaniya vs Al Wakrah - Khalifa International Stadium - 20:30
Saturday, August 30
Al Sailiya vs Al Shamal - Al Bayt Stadium - 18:30
Qatar SC vs Al Ahli - Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium - 20:30
