The draw for the 54th edition of the Amir Cup 2026 has officially set the stage for one of the most exciting football spectacles in Qatar, with balanced round of 16 fixtures and heavyweight clashes expected in the knockout rounds.
The draw ceremony, held on 20 January 2026, took place in the presence of Qatar Football Association officials, representatives of the 16 qualified clubs, and competition department officials. The ceremony was conducted with the participation of former Qatar national team stars Adel Khamis and Abdulaziz Al-Obaidli.
Two-Level Seeding System Sets Up Competitive Fixtures
Ahead of the draw, teams were divided into two levels.
Level One included the top eight finishers from the 2024–2025 Qatari League season, while Level Two featured teams ranked ninth to twelfth along with four clubs that advanced from the preliminary rounds.
The round of 16 was drawn between Level One and Level Two teams, ensuring competitive matchups across both sides of the bracket.
Round of 16 Fixtures and Tournament Paths
Defending champions Al Gharafa, eight-time Amir Cup winners, were drawn against second-division side Al Kharaitiyat, who qualified from the preliminary round. In the same path, Al Ahli will face Umm Salal, setting up a potential quarter-final clash between the winners of both matches.
Al Rayyan, last season’s finalists and six-time champions, will face Al Khor, while Al Wakrah meet newly promoted Al Sailiya. The winners will meet in the quarter-finals, with the path’s quarter-final winners advancing to the semi-finals.
The second path features Qatar SC against Al Shamal in a highly anticipated encounter between two strong Doha Bank Stars League sides. Record holders Al Sadd, with 19 Amir Cup titles, will begin their campaign against second-division qualifiers Al Markhiya.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail take on Al Waab, while nine-time champions Al Arabi face Al Shahaniya in a clash expected to deliver one of the most entertaining matches of the round.
The winners from each quarter-final will progress through the semi-finals to reach the Amir Cup final.
Knockout Format and Match Regulations
All matches in the tournament will be played in a knockout format. If a match ends in a draw after regular time, penalty shootouts will decide the winner directly without extra time. A Man of the Match award will be presented in every fixture.
Ali Hamoud Al-Nuaimi, Chairman of the Competitions Department Committee at the Qatar Football Association, confirmed that the draw produced balanced matchups and promised high-level competition as clubs battle for the most prestigious title in Qatari football.
Coaches React to the Draw
Al Gharafa head coach Pedro Martins said his team is determined to defend their title, but acknowledged the challenge ahead, especially with AFC Champions League commitments scheduled before their round of 16 match.
Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini stressed that cup competitions are always unpredictable and confirmed his side’s ambition to fight for another Amir Cup trophy.
Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge warned against underestimating Al Khor, while Qatar SC coach Marquez Lopez described the draw as balanced but demanding, especially against strong opponents like Al Shamal.
Continental Qualification on the Line
The winner of the Amir Cup 2026 will earn a direct qualification spot in the AFC Champions League 2026–2027. Qatar’s continental allocation includes two direct Elite League spots, one preliminary round place, and one direct place in AFC Champions League 2.
This makes the Amir Cup not only a prestigious domestic trophy but also a gateway to Asian football glory.
A Tournament Steeped in History
The Amir Cup remains the most anticipated football event in Qatar each year, marking the grand finale of the sporting season. Since its launch in the 1972–73 season, it has grown into a national football carnival celebrated by fans across the country.
Only eight clubs have ever lifted the trophy. Al Sadd lead the all-time list with 19 titles, followed by Al Arabi with nine, Al Gharafa with eight, Al Rayyan with six, Al Ahli and Al Duhail with four each, Qatar SC with two, and Umm Salal with one.
Al Gharafa won the previous edition, defeating Al Rayyan 2–1 in the final.
With blockbuster clashes lined up and AFC Champions League qualification at stake, the Amir Cup 2026 promises drama, passion, and unforgettable football moments.
Source: QNA/QFA
Cover image credit: QFA
