A file photo of Al Sadd players during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Reigning Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd SC will begin preparations for the 2026-27 season in July, including an overseas training camp in Austria as they aim for a trophy-laden campaign.
Qatar’s most decorated club secured only the QSL title last season, missing out on the Amir Cup after a final defeat to Al Gharafa and bowing out of the AFC Champions League Elite in the quarter-finals.
The club recently announced an intensive training programme beginning with a week-long camp in Doha on July 5, marking Roberto Mancini’s first pre-season in charge of Al Sadd SC. The Italian tactician took over at the club last November.
After a camp in Doha, the Wolves will fly to Austria on July 13. The opening phase of the camp will take place in Lienz from July 13 to 24, before the squad moves to Bad Haring for the second phase running from July 25 until August 7.
Al Sadd are also scheduled to play four friendly matches during the Austria camp on July 17, July 22, July 30 and August 7, before returning to Doha on August 8 to complete build-up for the new domestic campaign. The QSL season will get underway on August 20.
Alongside the club’s preparations, several Al Sadd players are also expected to play key roles for Qatar national football team at the June 11-July 19 FIFA World Cup. Six players from the club were included in Qatar’s preliminary squad, underlining Al Sadd’s strong presence within the national team.
Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham was among those selected, alongside defenders Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel and Tarek Salman. In attack, star forward Akram Afif and veteran captain Hassan Al-Haydos were also included.
Qatar will begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 13 in Santa Clara, California, before facing Canada in Vancouver on June 18. Their group stage campaign will conclude against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood, California on June 24.
Al Ahli part ways with Younes Ali
Al Ahli SC yesterday announced the mutual termination of coach Younes Ali’s contract following a challenging 2025-26 season.
The club confirmed the decision after Al Ahli finished ninth in the QSL standings with 26 points from 22 matches.
While league form proved difficult, Al Ahli enjoyed a notable run on the continental stage, reaching the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two before losing to Al Nassr. Their Amir Cup campaign ended in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Umm Salal SC in February.
Al Ahli’s management thanked Younes for his efforts during his tenure. The coach had taken over midway through the season, replacing Igor Biscan after the opening 10 rounds of the league.
The club also stated that it plans to move forward with a new vision aimed at better aligning the team with its long-term ambitions.
