Doha, Qatar – The stage is set for the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League, following the conclusion of the Round of 16 draw on Tuesday. Qatar’s Al Ahli FC will face a challenging opponent in Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan FC of Iran. The competition, considered the premier club tournament in Asian football, will continue with the Round of 16 matches scheduled for February 2026.
Al Ahli FC and Other Teams Discover AFC Champions League Paths
The draw determines the matchups for the 16 teams remaining in the competition, all vying for the coveted title of Asian champion. Al Ahli advanced to the knockout stage as winners of Group B, achieving a record of two wins and four draws for a total of 10 points. Their Iranian rivals, Sepahan, secured qualification as runners-up in Group C with two victories, one draw and a single defeat.
The tournament sees representation from a diverse range of footballing nations, reflecting the growing competitiveness of the Asian game. Saudi Arabian clubs, for instance, have demonstrated considerable strength in recent years, and the presence of Al Nassr with a perfect group stage record underscores this trend.
Key Matchups Revealed
Several other intriguing ties were determined in the draw. Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates, who finished unbeaten atop Group A, will play Al Zawraa SC from Iraq, the Group D runners-up. This contest pits a strong attacking side in Al Wasl against a potentially resilient Iraqi defense.
Elsewhere, Al Hussein of Jordan faced a difficult draw against Esteghlal FC of Iran, another well-regarded team in the competition. Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr will be heavily favored when they take on FC Arkadag, having dominated their group with an impressive goal difference.
The East Zone also features compelling matchups. Macarthur FC from Australia will battle Bangkok United of Thailand, while Japan’s Gamba Osaka, boasting a perfect group stage, will meet Pohang Steelers from South Korea. Indonesia’s Persib Bandung, Group G winners, are set to clash with Ratchaburi FC of Thailand, completing the pairings.
Competition Schedule and Format
The Round of 16 will be played over two legs in February 2026, with the West Zone matches taking place on February 10-11 and 17-18, and the East Zone following shortly after on February 11-12 and 18-19. The quarter-finals are slated for March, continuing the home-and-away format.
The semi-finals, scheduled for April, will also feature two-legged ties. Ultimately, the AFC Champions League will culminate in a single-leg final on May 16, 2026, between the champions of the West and East zones. This format reinforces the continental nature of the tournament, offering teams from across Asia a pathway to glory.
The growing stature of the AFC Champions League is demonstrated by the increasing investment in domestic leagues across Asia, which leads to greater quality in the participating teams. The participation of high-profile players and managers also contribute to its relevance on the international stage. The AFC aims for increased viewership and commercial interest in the competition.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to team preparation and potential player transfers as clubs aim to bolster their squads for the challenging knockout stages. The performance of clubs like Al Ahli and Al Nassr will be closely scrutinized, as they represent the ambition of West Asian football. Whether the East Zone can overcome the recent dominance of West Asian teams remains an open question and a key storyline as the tournament progresses. Broadcasting schedules are also expected to be finalized in the coming months.
Further details concerning match venues and kick-off times for the Round of 16 and subsequent rounds will be announced by the Asian Football Confederation closer to the match dates.
