Khalifa International Stadium will host the Week 1 match of 2026-2027 season Doha Bank Stars League between Al Gharafa and Al Shahania on Friday, August 21, 2026. The kick-off is at 5.15pm.

This match is an important test for both sides at the start of the season, as each team seeks to begin their campaign with three points to give them a strong boost in the upcoming rounds. Al Gharafa finished last season in fourth place, while Al Shahania finished 11th and played in the relegation play-off, defeating Al Kharaitiyat.

Al Gharafa wrapped up their preparations for the new season with an overseas training camp in Slovakia, where the squad focused on improving their physical and technical readiness ahead of the start of competitive action.

The Cheetahs have strengthened their ranks with several new signings, including Abdulrahman Fayez, Mason Holgate and goalkeeper Ahmed Kone, adding further depth to the squad.

The club has also ensured continuity on the technical front by extending the contract of coach Pedro Martins for another two seasons. The Portuguese will continue to lead a squad featuring several established players, including Yacine Brahimi, Fabricio Diaz, Ferjani Sassi, Jang Hyun-Soo, Khalifa Ababacar and Amro Seraj.

Al Shahania, meanwhile, conducted their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands under national coach Younes Ali, using a series of friendly matches to assess the squad and sharpen their preparations for the new campaign.

The club has also reinforced its squad with a number of additions, including Amenallah Meherzi, Mohammed Siraj, Abdullah Al Sulaiti, Abdulrahman Fahmi and Ibrahima Diallo.

The newcomers will join an established core featuring Marc Muniesa, Andreas van Beek, Francesco Antonucci, Alvaro Sanz, Abdullah Traore, Khaled Muftah, Mohammed Bader Sayyar and goalkeeper Shehab Ellethi, as Al Shahania look to build a competitive squad for the season ahead.