Abstract: In this paper, we propose a systematic and theoretically sound way to design a global optimal fuzzy tracking controller for discrete-time fuzzy systems with the aim of solving the discrete-time quadratic tracking problems with moving or model-following targets under finite or infinite horizon (time). A linear-like dynamical system representation of discrete-time fuzzy system is proposed to mature the theoretical design scheme of the discrete-time optimal fuzzy tracking controller which can achieve global minimum effect. A multistage decomposition of optimization scheme is proposed to simplify the computation, and then a segmental recursive Riccati-like equation and a difference equation in tracing the variation of the target are derived. Moreover, in the case of time-invariant fuzzy tracking systems, we show that the optimal tracking controller can be obtained by just solving discrete-time algebraic Riccati-like equations and algebraic matrix equations. An example is given to illustrate the proposed optimal fuzzy tracker design scheme.