QSL Cup set to kick off on September 20

Doha, Qatar: The 2026-2027 QSL Cup will kick off on September 20, with 19 teams set to compete in the tournament following Al Sadd’s withdrawal, the Qatar Stars League (QSL) announced.

The competition will feature 11 QSL teams and eight Jetour League sides. The teams will be divided into five levels based on their standings in their respective leagues last season, with each team playing four matches against teams from the other levels in the first stage.

The top eight teams will advance to the quarter-finals, which will be played as single-match knockouts. If a knockout match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, the winners will be decided directly by penalties, with no extra time.

The tournament’s technical meeting was held yesterday, with Ahmed Abdullah Al Sayed, QSL Head of Football Operations, Hassan Al Thawadi of the Qatar Football Association Referees Department and representatives of the participating clubs in attendance.

The meeting reviewed the competition format and levels, along with matchday procedures, coordination between the relevant parties and the need for clubs to meet organisational requirements and deadlines.

The approved home and away kits for all teams were also confirmed in line with tournament regulations.