Third Emirati-Qatari Super Cup set to light up January 2026 with eight clubs in action
27 November 2025
Event Overview
The organizing committee announced the third Emirati-Qatari Super Cup, bringing back a four-day festival that gathers eight clubs—four from each country—facing off as the season’s champions from the UAE and Qatar.
The 2026 edition runs January 22-25, with four titles and a marquee clash of clubs that have dominated domestic campaigns, underscoring a shared love of football in the Gulf.
Kickoff on January 22 pits Al Gharafa, Qatar Cup winners, against Al Sharjah, UAE League runners-up, at the Al Thani Stadium in Doha. The following day, Abu Dhabi hosts the Shield of Challenge clash between Al Wahda, UAE Cup holders, and Al Duhail, Qatar league runners-up, at Al Nahyan Stadium.
On January 24, the spotlight shifts to Doha for a heavyweight duel: Al Sadd, Qatar champions, versus Shabab Al Ahli at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. The show concludes on January 25 with the Shield of Challenge match between Al Ahli of Qatar (fourth in the domestic standings) and Al Jazira (Emirates Cup runners-up) at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The Emirati-Qatari Super Cup third edition is a continuation of the two nations' successful sporting partnership, embodying deep ties and a shared passion for football, with fans expecting a standout edition that reflects the strength of the rivalry.
As for form, the UAE clubs sit with Al Wahda 18 points, Shabab Al Ahli 17, Al Sharjah seven, and Al Jazira 14, in the Adnoc Pro League standings; while in Qatar Al Gharafa leads with 25, Al Sadd has 17, Al Duhail 12.
The event continues to symbolize Gulf partnerships and a joint drive to elevate football heritage, earning broad support in both countries.
Expect high-intensity matches, big crowds, and a battle among the four clubs for new trophies, all while chasing domestic glory in the 2025-2026 campaign.
The first Emirati-Qatari edition took place in April 2024, featuring two matches for the Shield of the Super and the Super Cup, with four clubs.
Al Arabi beat Al Sharjah 1-0 to win the Super Cup in 2024, with Youssef Msaakeni scoring.
In 2025, eight clubs took part across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha, with Al Wasl claiming the Shield of the Super Cup after beating a Qatar-based side 1-0 at a Doha venue.
Shabab Al Ahli captured the Shield of Challenge with a 3-1 win over Qatar's Al Rayyan at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Doha, with Yuri Cesar, Sardar Azmon, and Guillermo Bala among the scorers.
The UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli won the Shield of Challenge in the latest edition, beating Al Rayyan 3-1 at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Doha, sealing the UAE-Qatar rivalry in a celebratory tone.
Eight clubs then lined up for the 2025-2026 cycle, with new chapters written for the Gulf rivalry and its growing fanbase.
Punchline 1: If this cup were a conspiracy, it would be called “package deal” — eight teams, two nations, zero patience for extra time. Punchline 2: In this league of giants, the only thing heavier than the trophies is the hype — and apparently, the coffee at the stadiums is equally strong.
