Doha, July 18 (QNA) - The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has announced the first-half match schedule for the Doha Bank Stars League football season 2026-2027.

In a statement on Saturday, QSL said the new season will kick off on Aug. 20, 2026, and that the dates and times for the first three rounds of matches, which will be held at air-conditioned stadiums, have been approved.

According to the announced schedule, the opening round matches will be played over three days, the statement continued, adding that Al Sadd will begin their title defense against Al Ahli at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Aug. 22.

It explained that Al Wakrah and Qatar SC will open the new season with their clash at Lusail Stadium on Aug. 20. On the same day, Al Rayyan will face league newcomers Lusail at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

The second day of the opening round will feature two matches, with Al Gharafa facing Al Shahania at Khalifa International Stadium, while Al Arabi will meet Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium. Meanwhile, Al Duhail will take on Al Sailiya on Aug. 22 at Al Bayt Stadium, QSL remarked.

In the second round, which begins on Aug. 27, QSL said Al Gharafa will face Al Shamal at Khalifa International Stadium, while Al Wakrah will take on Al Rayyan at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

  The following day will see Al Ahli face Lusail at Al Thumama Stadium, while Qatar SC will meet Al Sadd at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, the statement said.

It added that the second round will conclude on Aug. 29, with Al Duhail facing Al Arabi at Al Bayt Stadium, while Al Shahania will take on Al Sailiya at Lusail Stadium.

QSL emphasized that the match schedule from the fourth through the 11th rounds will be updated after the draws for the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two, and Gulf Club Champions League are conducted, in addition to the approval of the national team's schedule.

The league body explained that coordination will be carried out with clubs participating in continental and regional competitions to ensure the league schedule aligns with their external commitments.

It further noted that the second-half schedule will be announced at a later time after the final program for the national team's matches is approved.

Al Sadd won the league title last season for the third consecutive time, while Al Shamal finished runners-up, Al Rayyan placed third, and Al Gharafa came fourth. (QNA)