Al-Qalael were crowned champions of the Golden Square Cup 2026 in its eleventh edition after a thrilling 3–2 victory over Al-Sakhama in the final match, which was held in the presence of a large crowd and notable attendance from Qatari football stars and officials. The win marks Al-Qalael’s first-ever title in their debut season in the Qatar Fereej League 2025/2026.
Both teams delivered one of the most exciting matches of the season in terms of intensity, competitiveness, and rapid changes in scoreline. The match started strongly from the opening minutes, with Al-Sakhama taking an early lead in the 4th minute through Ali Abdulhaleem Mohammed, giving them an early advantage that unsettled Al-Qalael’s plans.
Al-Qalael responded quickly, as player Mohammed Juma Al-Alawi scored the equaliser in the 8th minute following a well-organised attack that brought the match back to level terms. Al-Sakhama then regained the lead in the 16th minute through Al-Tayeb Kamal Ali, in the first half that remained highly intense from both sides.
Al-Qalael refused to go into halftime behind and continued pressing until Abdulqader Elias Adam scored the second equalizer, ending the first half at 2–2 in a highly entertaining and evenly contested display from both teams.
In the second half, the excitement continued as both sides exchanged possessions and dangerous attacks. Each Al-Sakhama attempt was met with a swift response from Al-Qalael, with goalkeepers and defenders showing strong performances, until the 40th minute when the decisive moment arrived. Mohammed Mudather Dafallah scored the third and winning goal for Al-Qalael, sending their supporters into celebration and securing the championship title.
With this achievement, Al-Qalael secured their first official trophy, despite finishing the league in fourth place. They nevertheless demonstrated a strong character in decisive matches and deservedly lifted the trophy.
At the conclusion of the tournament, the organizing committee was honored by the presence of former Qatar national team and Al-Sadd and Al-Khor player Captain Mohammed Mubarak Al-Mohannadi, along with Mr. Khalid Abdullah Al-Binali, who jointly presented the trophy and gold medals to Al-Qalael. Al-Sakhama were awarded silver medals and the commemorative cup, in addition to honoring the refereeing crew for their efforts in managing the final match: referee Osama Ali Mahboub, assistant referee Mohammed Al-Khatim, second assistant referee Islam Hassan Ahmed, and fourth official Faisal Abdulwahab Mahjoub.
The Golden Square Cup is considered one of the most important competitions accompanying the Qatar Fereej League. It is the third main tournament of the season after the league and the Fereej Cup, along with the Qatar Fereej Super Cup, which brings together the league champion and the cup winner at the start of each season.
At the conclusion of the current season, attention now turns to the Qatar Fereej Cup 2026, which will kick off after Eid Al-Adha holidays. The quarter-final matches will begin on Tuesday, 02 June 2026, amid great anticipation from fans as the excitement continues into the closing stages of an exceptional Qatar Fereej League 20