Qatar Cup 2026 Semi-Finals Set: Al Sadd Faces Al Gharafa, Al Shamal Meets Al Rayyan

The stage is set for the semi-final clashes of the 10th edition of the Qatar Cup 2026, with two high-stakes matches scheduled to take place. Al Sadd is scheduled to face Al Gharafa tomorrow, Tuesday, at Khalifa International Stadium at 5 PM local time, marking the opening semi-final match. This highly anticipated fixture will determine one of the finalists for the prestigious tournament, as both teams vie for a spot in the championship match. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans gather to witness the start of the knockout stage.

Semi-Final Matchups Detailed

In the second semi-final, Al Shamal is set to compete against Al Rayyan, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM local time. This match will be held at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, which is located at Al Sadd Club, providing a familiar ground for one of the contenders. This encounter will determine the other finalist vying for the Qatar Cup 2026 title, promising another intense battle. The tournament rules stipulate that if any Qatar Cup match concludes in a draw after regular time, the outcome will be decided immediately by a penalty shootout. There will be no extra time played in such scenarios, ensuring a swift resolution to tied fixtures and adding an element of immediate drama to potential draws. This rule applies to all matches in the tournament, including the semi-finals and the final.

Tournament Context and History

The Qatar Cup 2026 tournament features the top four teams from the 2025-2026 Qatar League, also known as the Doha Bank Stars League. These elite teams have earned their place through their performance in the league season. The participating clubs are Al Sadd, who enter the competition as the defending champions, Al Shamal, Al Rayyan, and Al Gharafa. Each team brings its own strengths and ambitions to the semi-finals, hoping to advance to the final showdown.

Al Sadd secured the 10th edition of the Qatar Cup in the previous 2024-2025 season, triumphing over Al Duhail with a 4-3 victory on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time. That victory showed Al Sadd's pedigree in the competition. Historically, Al Sadd has been the most successful team in the tournament, holding a record four titles. Their previous victories were secured in the 2016-2017, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and the most recent 2024-2025 seasons, showcasing their consistent dominance over the years.

Following Al Sadd's record, Al Duhail holds the second-highest number of titles in the tournament's history, having won three championships. Their victories came in the 2014-2015, 2017-2018, and 2022-2023 seasons, establishing them as a formidable presence. Al Jaish ranks third with two titles, which they claimed in the 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 seasons, demonstrating their past strength in the competition. Al Wakrah has also won the Qatar Cup once, securing their title in the 2023-2024 season, adding their name to the list of champions.

Path to the Final

The Qatar Cup 2026 final match is scheduled to take place on September 11, 2026, at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, where the two semi-final winners will compete for the championship title. As the defending champions, Al Sadd enters the current competition aiming to extend its lead in the tournament's history and secure a fifth title. The upcoming final will determine if another team can add its name to the prestigious list of champions or if Al Sadd will further solidify its dominance in the Qatar Cup. The journey to the final promises intense football action and memorable moments for fans.