QSL clubs training and playing friendlies in Europe ahead of new season

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 26, 2026

Several clubs from the Qatar Stars League have started their preseason training camps and friendly matches across Europe to prepare for the 2026-27 season beginning on August 20. These camps aim to enhance team tactics and fitness, with key players and coaches focusing on competing strongly in domestic and continental competitions.

Several clubs from the Qatar Stars League (QSL) have commenced their preseason training and friendly matches across Europe in preparation for the upcoming 2026-27 season, which is scheduled to begin on August 20.

Defending champions Al Sadd are conducting their training camp in Austria until August 7. The squad, featuring 26 players alongside technical and administrative staff, is led by Romanian head coach Razvan Lucescu. The team has participated in friendly matches against Czech club Sigma Olomouc, Shabab Al Ahli’s youth side, and will play two additional fixtures during the camp. Midfielder Claudinho commented on the preparations, emphasizing the team’s focus on adapting to the coach’s methods and aiming to contend for the league title, the Qatar Football Association Cup, and the AFC Champions League.

Meanwhile, Al Sailiya secured a 2-0 victory over Dutch professional side FC Den Bosch during their preseason camp in Austria. Similarly, Al Shahania recorded a 2-0 win against Dutch Eredivisie club Go Ahead Eagles in Amsterdam, where their preparations are underway.

Other QSL teams are spread across various European locations for their preseason activities. Al Arabi is in Estepona, Spain, from July 19 to August 7, with five friendly matches planned before returning to Doha. Al Rayyan, also training in Spain, faced a narrow 0-1 loss to Albacete and later drew 3-3 against English club Rochdale.

Al Duhail is holding its preseason camp in Amsterdam, scheduled through August 10. Al Gharafa has been preparing in Slovakia, where the team won 1-0 against AS Trencin but subsequently suffered a 1-2 defeat to STK Samorin. Qatar SC, training in Spain, lost 0-3 to UCAM Murcia before playing a scoreless draw against Club Costa City.

Al Khor is training in Izmit, Turkey, until August 2 and has bolstered its squad by signing Felipe Sousa from FC Porto and Jimmy Bombo from Al Shahania.

With clubs scattered across Europe engaging in training and matches, the QSL teams are focusing on tactical refinement and physical conditioning ahead of the league kick-off later this month.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.