As part of the ongoing development plan and to achieve several strategic objectives, including raising the technical standards, increasing the number of matches during the season and level of competition and exposure by ensuring greater player participation, and providing young players with the opportunity and space to gain experience, and in line with the strategic plan to develop Second Division competitions, the Qatar Stars League announced the development of QSL Cup for 2025-2026 season.
- The tournament will be held with the participation of 20 teams, including First and Second Division teams.
- The tournament is developed aligning with modern formats used in several continental and international tournaments.
- The competition will be held initially in a single-stage league format, with 10 matches per team over 10 weeks against teams of various levels.
- Six foreign professional players are allowed on each team’s match roster (5+1), and youth and reserve players may be included.
- The first and second-placed teams advance directly to the quarterfinals.
- Teams placed from third to 14th will play six knockout matches, with the winning teams advancing to quarterfinals.
- In the quarterfinals, four knockout matches will be played.
- The semifinals and final will also be knockout matches.
It may be noted that a meeting will be held with the competing clubs to explain the tournament mechanism and conduct the draw.