Qatar's national football team prepares for an exceptional 2026/2027 season
Following a 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24, 2026, Qatar's national football team is gearing up for a season filled with local and international challenges. The team will participate in various tournaments, including the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup, aiming to defend its titles.
What are the local challenges?
The Qatari football league will kick off on August 20, featuring 12 teams in the new 'QSL 2' tournament. Locally, the team will compete in the Qatar Cup, Qatar Stars Cup, and Emir Cup, providing opportunities for national teams and clubs to excel.
What are the international challenges?
Qatari clubs will compete in the AFC Champions League Elite, with Al Sadd, the Qatari league champions, and Al Gharafa, the Emir Cup winners, participating. Additionally, the national team will take part in the Gulf Cup 'Gulf 27' in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6, facing teams from the UAE, Bahrain, and Yemen in Group B.
What's next?
Doha will host the final stages of the FIFA Club World Cup in December, featuring Paris Saint-Germain, the UEFA Champions League winners, in the final. Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia and Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa will face off in the semi-final, presenting new challenges for Qatari national teams and clubs.
