The draw for the first round of the AFC Champions League for the elite for the 2025-2026 season was held this morning, Friday, revealing fiery confrontations awaiting the Iraqi Police Club at the beginning of its continental journey, as the representative of Iraqi football seeks to deliver a performance worthy of its reputation and achieve positive results that grant it the opportunity to compete for direct qualification

The Police will kick off its journey by playing four home matches in Baghdad, during which it will face the Saudi Al-Ahli, the defending champion, in a heavy-weight public showdown, in addition to facing the Qatari Al-Sadd, one of the pillars of Qatari football, as well as the Saudi Al-Ittihad, the league champion, and finally, the Qatari Al-Duhail, which has extensive experience in the tournament, making the home matches crucial tests for the capital's knights

As for the away matches, the challenge will be greater against the Saudi Al-Hilal, the former Asian champion and one of the strongest clubs in the continent, in addition to the Qatari Al-Gharafa, which has distinguished players, the Iranian Tractor known for its toughness at home, and the Uzbek Nasaf, which enjoys a large fan base and significant support in its stadium, these matches require high concentration and precise tactical plans to ensure positive results

The tournament kicks off on September 15, with the Round of 16 starting on March 2, while the final stages will take place from April 17 to 25, amidst great aspirations from the Police fans to see their team continue the journey to the farthest point, especially since the tournament system grants direct qualification to the first eight teams in the league round, making every point in this stage precious and valuable.