Doha, August 25 (QNA) - The Qatar Stars League revealed Monday the details of the 2025-26 QSL Cup, which will kick off on Sept. 1.

This announcement came during the draw ceremony held at the Torch Hotel. The participating teams (20 teams) will be divided into five levels, each containing four teams. The process of determining the five levels was based on the final standings of the teams in the First Division and Second Division Leagues for the previous season (2024-2025). According to the tournament system, during the league stage, each team will play 10 matches over 10 weeks against teams of different levels (two matches from each of the five levels).

The first round will feature 10 matches, with Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd, Al Shahania vs Al Sailiya, Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi, Al Markhiya vs Muaither, Al Ahli vs Al Duhail, Al Rayyan vs Qatar SC, Al Shamal vs Umm Salal, Al Kharaitiyat vs Lusail, Al Khor vs Al Bidda, and Al Waab vs Mesaimeer.

According to the new tournament rules, six foreign professional players will be allowed on each team's match roster. Youth and reserve players will also be allowed.

The tournament rules stipulate that the first and second-placed teams will qualify directly for the quarter-finals. Teams ranked third through fourteenth will also advance to the next stage, with six knock-out matches played, from which six teams will advance to the quarter-finals. The same applies to the semifinals and final.

The tournament's technical meeting was also held, attended by representatives of the Foundation, the participating clubs, and the Referees Department of the Qatar Football Association, where the new rules and regulations were reviewed.

In this context, QSL Director of Competitions Ahmed Salman Al Adsani, confirmed in a statement that the new system aligns with the latest systems employed in several continental and international tournaments. This is part of a development plan that includes improving technical standards and increasing the number of matches.

He added that the goal of the tournament is to provide young players with an opportunity to gain experience, in addition to developing competitions for Second Division teams.

Al Duhail won the title of the thirteenth edition of the tournament last season after defeating Al Arabi 2-1. Al Duhail and Al Gharafa are the most successful teams with three titles, followed by Al Sadd and Al Sailiya with two titles each. Al Wakrah, Qatar SC, El Jaish, and Umm Salal have all won one title each. (QNA)