Freedom QJ League 2026: list of participating clubs

The flagship youth tournament will feature teams composed of players born in 2009, who competed in the Freedom QJ League U-17 last season.

For the first time in the League’s history, U-15 teams will take part. Thus, this season will mark the debut for two age categories at once — players born in 2011 and 2012.

Among the League’s newcomers are the Atlético Madrid Academy in Kazakhstan, as well as Zhaıyq from Uralsk, which has become the successor of the previously participating club Akzhaiyk.

In the upcoming season, Atyrau will compete in Freedom QJ League B due to the region’s infrastructure not being ready to support the participation of four teams simultaneously. The spot of “the Oilers” in League A will be taken by the KFF Academy (in U-18 and U-17 competitions) and Atlético (in U-16 and U-15 competitions).

It is also worth noting that the expansion will lead to changes in the logistical model of League A. When U-18 and U-17 teams play at home, U-16 and U-15 teams will play away — and vice versa. This ensures that clubs will have home matches in every round.

Freedom QJ League A, U-18 and U-17

1) KFF Academy
2) Aktobe
3) Astana
4) Zhas Kyran
5) Taraz
6) Irtysh
7) Kairat
8) Kaisar
9) Caspiy
10) Ordabasy
11) Tobyl
12) Shakhter

Freedom QJ League A, U-16 and U-15

1) Atlético
2) Aktobe
3) Astana
4) Zhas Kyran
5) Taraz
6) Irtysh
7) Kairat
8) Kaisar
9) Caspiy
10) Ordabasy
11) Tobyl
12) Shakhter

Freedom QJ League B, U-18

1) Altay
2) Atyrau
3) Yelimay
4) Zhaiyk
5) Zhetisu
6) Kyzylzhar
7) Okzhetpes
8) Ontustik
9) Zhenis
10) Khan-Tengri

Freedom QJ League W, U-17

1) Aktobe
2) Astana
3) Irtysh
4) Kairat
5) Kaisar
6) Ordabasy
7) Tobyl
8) Shakhter