KUWAIT CITY, March 11: Al-Qadisiya and Al-Salmiya are set to kick off the championship group matches, known as the "League of Six, at 10:00 pm at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in the initial round of the Zain Premier League competitions. The tournament will continue tomorrow with two matches. The first will see Kuwait Club facing Al-Fahaheel, while the second will feature a clash between Al-Arabi and Al-Nasr.

Following this round, the competition will take a break as the national team gears up to face Qatar on March 21 and 26 in the third and fourth rounds of the initial group stage for the joint Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup.

After concluding the eighteenth round of the league, Al-Kuwait, Al-Arabi, Al-Qadisiya, Al-Salmiya, Al-Nasr, and Al-Fahaheel will compete in the championship group "League of Six." Meanwhile, the "Avoid Relegation" group "League of Four" will include Kazma, Al-Shabab, Khaitan, and Al-Jahra.

Kuwait Club leads the standings with 43 points, followed by Al-Arabi with 42 points, Al-Qadisiya with 39 points in third place, Al-Salmiya with 24 points, tied with Al-Nasr in goal difference, and Al-Fahaheel in sixth place with 23 points.

In today's match, Al-Qadisiya aims to secure the maximum points to close the gap with the top two teams, enhancing its chances of contending for the title that has eluded them since the 2015-2016 season. This match is crucial for Al-Qadisiya, seeking a second victory over Al-Salmiya this season after their previous encounters ended in a draw and a win for Al-Qadisiyah. Notably, the two teams are set to face off in the final of His Highness the Amir’s Cup, with the match date yet to be determined.

By Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff