As a new football season prepares to kick off, Qatar faces a pivotal moment – both in its on-field ambitions and its growing stature as a footballing nation. With international ambition and domestic momentum building simultaneously, the coming months promise to shape the nation’s footballing future.
At the heart of this season lies Qatar’s determined push to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Having made their tournament debut as hosts in 2022, Al Annabi are now focused on earning a spot on merit. Drawn in Group A alongside the UAE and Oman, Qatar will compete in a single round-robin playoff stage in October. Only the group winner will advance directly, while the runner-up faces a final play-off hurdle.
To prepare, coach Julen Lopetegui has been overseeing an intense preparations including the overseas training camp in Austria. The squad features a blend of fresh faces and experience, including first-time call-up Guilherme Torres and the return of veteran Hassan Al Haydos – recalled at the coach’s request from retirement.
Back home, attention is also turning to the domestic front as the Qatar Stars League (QSL) returns on August 14. Defending champions Al Sadd will begin their title defence against Qatar SC on August 16. Runners-up Al Duhail, now under the leadership of Djamel Belmadi, face Al Shahania in their opener, just four days after a crucial AFC Champions League Elite play-off against Iran’s Sepahan on August 12.
Clubs across the league have prepared in overseas training camps, eager to hit the ground running. The opening round will feature marquee matchups including Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya and Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal, with all early-season matches scheduled at air-conditioned venues to ensure optimal conditions for players and fans alike.
Adding to the weight of the season is Qatar’s continued commitment to hosting world-class football events. The FIFA U-17 World Cup, from November 3 to 27, will see 48 teams compete in the tournament’s largest-ever edition – all matches played at Aspire Zone, with the final set for Khalifa International Stadium.
Soon after, focus will shift to the FIFA Arab Cup, scheduled from December 1 to 18. Qatar will lead Group A as hosts, joined by Tunisia and two qualifier teams yet to be decided, either Syria or South Sudan, and Palestine or Libya. The tournament’s opening match will take place at Al Bayt Stadium, while the final will be held at Lusail Stadium, the very venue that hosted the memorable FIFA World Cup 2022 final.
