Al-Duhail SC

Al-Duhail Sports Club traces its lineage to 1938 under the name Al-Shorta, though the entity operating today was officially established in 2009. This modern iteration emerged from a strategic merger between Lekhwiya SC and El Jaish SC, instantly becoming the first team in Qatari history to win the First Division title in its debut season. The club underwent a significant rebranding in 2017, dropping the Lekhwiya moniker to align with the Duhail district of Doha where it is based.

Competing in the Qatar Stars League, the team has secured multiple domestic trophies including league titles, Emir Cups, and Sheikh Jassim Cups. On the continental stage, they have regularly participated in the AFC Champions League Elite, reaching the Round of 16 in the 2025/2026 campaign where they faced Al Ahli Saudi FC. Their home matches take place at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, which holds approximately 9,000 spectators.

Belgian manager Eric Gerets took charge of the squad in 2024, bringing experience from previous stints at Anderlecht and with the Morocco national team. The current roster features an average age of 27.6 with 22 players, including 10 foreign nationals and nine representatives for the Qatari national team. Recent fixtures show competitive results such as a 1-1 draw against Al Shahania and a narrow loss to Al Ahli Saudi FC in Asian competition. [edit]

The organization's roots extend back to 1938 when it operated as Al-Shorta. While this historical connection exists, the current club structure dates to 2009 following the consolidation of Lekhwiya SC and El Jaish SC. This new formation achieved immediate success by winning the Qatari First Division in their inaugural year, a feat no other side had accomplished at that time. In 2017, the administration decided to change the name to Al-Duhail SC to reflect the club's location within the Duhail residential area.

Domestic dominance became a hallmark of the franchise as they accumulated numerous Qatar Stars League titles alongside victories in the Emir Cup and Sheikh Jassim Cup. The team expanded its reach internationally through consistent participation in the AFC Champions League Elite. During the 2025/2026 season, they advanced to the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Al Ahli Saudi FC with a 1-0 scoreline.

Rivalries with clubs like Al Sadd, Al Arabi, and Al Rayyan define the matchday atmosphere at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. The club maintains strong community ties in Duhail and prioritizes youth development programs that feed talent into the senior squad and national team. Manager Eric Gerets has overseen a stable period since his appointment in 2024, managing a squad composed of local stars and international signings. [edit]