Qatar Stars League 2026/27 kicks off with new format and top international names

The Qatar Stars League has launched its 53rd edition, featuring international stars such as Roberto Firmino, Marco Verratti and Aleksandar Mitrović. Calciomercato.com reports that the league is introducing a new second-tier competition, QSL2, designed to develop young players and provide a pathway to the top flight. League competitions director Ahmed Abbassi highlighted four key pillars for the new era: sustainability, stability, competitiveness and market value, noting a 150% increase in the league’s market value over the past three years.