Qatar Cup
The Qatar Cup is a tournament launched by the Qatar Stars League (QSL) as an addition to the list of domestic competitions it organizes and manages. This initiative reflects the league’s commitment to its mission of developing professional football in Qatar. The new competition bears the name “Qatar Cup – The Cup of Pride and Glory” and represents a historical continuation of the former Heir Apparent Cup and the Golden Square Cup. It garners great attention due to its rich and distinguished history and the intense competition it brings each season among the top four clubs.

A Rich History

In the 1994–1995 season, the tournament was first held under the name “Golden Square Cup.” From the 1995–1996 season onward, it was renamed the “Heir Apparent Cup.” Throughout its history, it played a key role in the advancement of professional Qatari football, contributing to strong performances and high technical standards that benefited clubs in both domestic and international competitions.

The 2013–2014 season marked a turning point with the launch of the prestigious “Qatar Cup,” a tournament dear to every Qatari citizen and resident. It symbolized a new chapter in the nation’s football journey, continuing from where the Heir Apparent Cup left off—with all its heritage, traditions, and memorable moments still etched in Qatari football history and in the hearts of the clubs that once lifted its trophies.

Tournament Evolution

From its inception until the 2008 edition, the tournament’s semi-finals were played over two legs (home and away). However, starting in 2009, the format changed to a single knockout match in the semi-final round, with the winners advancing directly to the final.

The first edition of the Qatar Cup in the 2013/2014 season was won by Al-Jaish, who defeated Al-Duhail in the final on penalties (4–3) after a 1–1 draw in regular time.

Tournament Format

• The top four teams in the final league standings qualify for the Qatar Cup.
• The competition starts directly from the semi-finals:
• 1st place plays against 4th place.
• 2nd place plays against 3rd place.
• The winners of the two semi-final matches advance to the final to compete for the title.