Al Sadd will look to build on their strong start to the season when they face Al Gharafa today.
Doha, Qatar: Defending champions Al Sadd will begin their Qatar Cup title defence against Al Gharafa today as the four-team tournament gets underway with the semi-finals.
Al Sadd face Al Gharafa at Khalifa International Stadium at 5pm, while Al Rayyan take on Al Shamal at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 7.30pm.
The Qatar Cup is contested by the top four teams of the Qatar Stars League after each season, with the winners of today’s semi-finals advancing to the final scheduled for December 11 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Al Sadd, who defeated Al Duhail in a penalty shootout to win last year’s title, are seeking their 10th Qatar Cup crown.
The Wolves have made an impressive start to the new QSL season, recording big wins over Al Ahli and Qatar SC in their opening two matches.
Al Gharafa players during a training session.
However, Al Gharafa will provide a familiar and difficult challenge after defeating Al Sadd to lift the Amir Cup title in May.
The Cheetahs are seeking their fourth Qatar Cup crown after opening their league campaign with a win over Al Shahania before losing to Al Shamal.
Al Sadd coach Razvan Lucescu said his side were focused on reaching the final.
“Our team is entering the match with one goal: to win and qualify for the final,” Lucescu said.
“This competition means a lot to us. Winning two matches gives us the chance to lift the Cup, which would be a culmination of the players’ efforts and a source of great joy for the club’s fans.”
Al Sadd coach Razvan Lucescu
Roberto Firmino expects another demanding contest against Al Gharafa, with the Brazilian insisting Al Sadd must carry their winning momentum into the Cup.
“The match against Al Gharafa in the Qatar Cup 2026 semifinal will be difficult and intense. We have the desire to continue our winning streak and take another step closer to winning the title,” Firmino said.
“Any match against Al Gharafa is like a final and this particular match requires us to fight and struggle from beginning to end in order to achieve victory.”
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins said his players were determined to seize their opportunity in a tournament featuring only four teams.
“We are eager to give off our best against Al Sadd. Our objective is to secure a victory and reach the final,” Martins said.
RIGHT: Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins
“We are well aware of Al Sadd’s strengths, but Al Gharafa are always among the favorites to compete. We have the experience and the ambition, and everyone will do their utmost to achieve victory.”
Amro Suraj also underlined the different nature of knockout football, saying mistakes could prove costly in the battle for a place in the final.
“Cup matches are always different and do not allow for many mistakes. Perhaps Al Sadd are considered as favourites after winning their first two league matches, but we will fight hard for our chances,” he said.
Al Rayyan, Al Shamal set for thriller
The second semi-final will see Al Rayyan chase their fifth Qatar Cup crown against an Al Shamal side seeking their maiden title in the tournament.
Al Rayyan have enjoyed a perfect start to the season with back-to-back wins over Lusail and Al Wakrah, while Al Shamal drew with Al Arabi before beating Al Gharafa in their second QSL match.
Al Rayyan coach Vicente Moreno said reaching the final would be an important objective early in the season.
Al Rayyan coach Vicente Moreno
“This match is very important for us because it represents an opportunity to reach our first final this season and therefore we must give our all to win,” Moreno said.
“We know we are facing a strong opponent, but I have great confidence in the players.”
Al Shamal coach David Prats said his team were highly motivated to continue their progress.
“This is a very important match for us and we hope to be ready and perform at our usual level. We want to continue developing as a club and achieve victory,” Prats said.
Al Shamal coach David Prats
“The team has undergone several player changes recently. Work is ongoing to maintain the same mentality and ambition the team displayed last season.”
If either semi-final ends in a draw after regulation time, the winners will be decided directly by penalty kicks.
