The 2025-2026 Qatar Stars League season officially begins today, Thursday, with significant fan excitement surrounding the new football campaign. This follows clubs' "strong" preseason preparations and the high-profile signing of international stars during the transfer window.

Opening Matches

The opening round will feature Al-Rayyan, Al-Sailiya, Al-Shamal, and Al-Ahli, while defending champions Al-Sadd will begin their title defense against Qatar SC on August 16.

Matches will be held across air-conditioned stadiums, including:

• Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

• Khalifa International Stadium

• Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium

New League Branding

The Qatar Stars League (QSL) announced that the competition will now be officially named "Doha Bank Stars League" for the next three seasons. The league also unveiled a new visual identity inspired by the tournament’s trophy.

Key Player Signings

QSL clubs have made major moves in the transfer market, including:

• Roberto Firmino (Al-Sadd, from Al-Ahli Saudi FC)

• Javier Hernández (Al-Arabi, from Leganés)

• Michel Vlap (Al-Ahli, from FC Twente)

• Raúl de Tomás (Al-Wakrah, from Rayo Vallecano)

• Gregory Silva (Al-Rayyan, from Botafogo)

• Lucas Silva Melo (Al-Duhail, from Eintracht Frankfurt)

• Krzysztof Piątek (Al-Duhail, from Başakşehir)

Asian & Gulf Competitions

Beyond domestic action, Qatari clubs are set for continental challenges:

• Al-Sadd & Al-Gharafa will compete directly in the AFC Elite Champions League.

• Al-Duhail enters the playoff stage after defeating Iran’s Foolad Sepahan 3-2 on Tuesday.

• Al-Ahli will feature in the AFC Champions League 2, while Al-Rayyan participates in the Gulf Champions League.

The new season promises thrilling football as Qatar’s top clubs battle for supremacy both domestically and internationally.