Doha, July 05 (QNA) - Qatari clubs have begun preparations for the 2026-27 season with domestic training camps ahead of overseas preseason camps, which will be held in several European countries during July and August.

Following the announcement by the Qatar Stars League of the fixture list for the new season, which kicks off on Aug. 20, clubs now know the dates and venues of their matches, allowing coaching staffs to finalize their preseason plans before the start of what is expected to be a long and demanding campaign.

Players and coaching staffs reported back to their clubs at the beginning of July and began undergoing comprehensive medical examinations at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, a mandatory procedure designed to assess players' physical and medical readiness.

The examinations include cardiac and respiratory screenings, muscle and joint assessments, as well as fitness, body fat and muscle mass evaluations. The tests are intended to determine players' condition following the summer break and help coaching staffs tailor individualized training programs based on the results.

Some international players who represented Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will miss the opening phase of preseason after beginning their summer vacations later than their teammates. They are expected to join their clubs' training camps at a later stage.

The overseas camps in Europe represent the most important phase of clubs' preparations ahead of the new season, with teams hoping to begin the campaign in improved form and compete for honors.

Coaches regard the camps as the cornerstone of preseason preparations, with teams undertaking intensive twice-daily training sessions, tactical work and a series of friendly matches that allow technical staffs to evaluate players' performances.

The camps also provide an opportunity for new signings, both domestic and foreign, to integrate with their teammates, while giving younger players a chance to prove themselves ahead of official competition.

The second phase of preseason preparations will begin during the second week of July, with most clubs traveling to Europe. The period is considered crucial for rebuilding fitness levels after the extended offseason and preparing players physically and tactically for the start of the league campaign.

Defending Qatar Stars League champion Al Sadd will hold its training camp in Austria from July 13 to Aug. 8. Al Sailiya will also train in Austria from July 18 to Aug. 7.

Al Arabi will conduct its camp in Estepona, Spain, from July 19 to Aug. 7, while Al Gharafa, the reigning HH the Amir Cup champion, will train in Bratislava, Slovakia, from July 16 to Aug. 3.

Al Shamal has chosen the Netherlands for its training camp, scheduled from July 18 to Aug. 6, during which the club plans to play five friendly matches. Al Wakrah will hold its camp in Rennes, France, from mid-July until the first week of August.

Qatar SC will travel to Murcia, Spain, for a training camp from July 16 to July 31 that will include several warm-up matches. Al Shahania will also train in the Netherlands from July 16 to Aug. 8.

Newly promoted Lusail SC, which secured promotion to the First Division, has selected the Netherlands for its overseas training camp from July 13 to Aug. 1 as it seeks to reach peak condition ahead of the new season.

The remaining clubs are expected to announce details of their overseas camps, training programs and friendly match schedules in the coming days as they continue to finalize their summer transfer business. (QNA)