Doha, September 21, 2026
The first round of the 2026-2027 U16 Basketball League concluded with its final two matches at the Qatar Basketball Federation Hall. Al Gharafa secured a 75-49 victory over Al Wakrah, while Al Ahli defeated Al Shamal 72-48.
The opening round had commenced on September 13 with two matches, during which Al Rayyan defeated Qatar SC 98-54 and Al Sadd overcame Al Khor 85-35. The round was then completed with the fixtures between Al Wakrah and Al Gharafa, and Al Ahli and Al Shamal.
In the first game of the round’s closing day, Al Gharafa asserted its dominance against Al Wakrah, claiming a convincing 75-49 victory and a 26-point winning margin. The win earned Al Gharafa two points and a positive start to its league campaign.
In the second match, Al Ahli continued its strong start to the season by defeating Al Shamal 72-48, wrapping up the opening round of competition.
At the conclusion of Round 1, four teams share the top spot with two points each: Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, Al Gharafa, and Al Ahli. Meanwhile, the four teams that suffered defeats in their opening matches, namely Qatar SC, Al Khor, Al Wakrah, and Al Shamal, each earned one point. Al Arabi will begin its campaign in Round 2 after receiving a bye in the opening round.
The league features nine clubs: Qatar SC, Al Rayyan, Al Khor, Al Sadd, Al Wakrah, Al Gharafa, Al Ahli, Al Shamal, and Al Arabi.
Round 2 is scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 27, with two matches. Al Gharafa will face Al Khor at 5:00 PM, while Al Shamal will take on Al Wakrah at 6:30 PM. The round will continue on Sunday, October 4, with Al Sadd meeting Qatar SC at 5:00 PM and Al Rayyan facing Al Arabi at 6:30 PM. Al Ahli will have a bye in Round 2.
Round 3 will be played across Sunday, November 1, and Sunday, November 8. The first day will feature Al Khor against Al Shamal at 5:00 PM, followed by Qatar SC versus Al Gharafa at 6:30 PM. The round will conclude on November 8 with Al Arabi facing Al Sadd at 5:00 PM and Al Wakrah taking on Al Ahli at 6:30 PM. Al Rayyan will have a bye during this round.
Round 4 will take place on Sunday, November 15, and Sunday, November 22. The opening day will see Al Shamal face Qatar SC at 5:00 PM, followed by Al Ahli against Al Khor at 6:30 PM. The round will conclude on November 22 with Al Gharafa meeting Al Arabi at 5:00 PM and Al Sadd taking on Al Rayyan at 6:30 PM. Al Wakrah will have a bye in Round 4.