The Asian Football Confederation announced today, Wednesday, the approval of Thani Bin Jassim Stadium as the main venue for Al Gharafa's matches in the group stage of the AFC Champions League for the elite season 2025-2026.

Al Gharafa will host its rivals Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia, Al Wahda from the UAE, and Tractor from Iran at its official stadium, while its match against Al Shorta from Iraq will be held at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on September 29.

The Qatari team will begin its Asian campaign away from home, facing Al Sharjah from the UAE in the first round on September 15, in an anticipated match that marks the start of its journey in the continental championship.

Al Gharafa's home match schedule includes encounters against Al Shorta from Iraq, Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia, Al Wahda from the UAE, and Tractor from Iran, while it will face strong opponents away from home against Al Sharjah, Al Ahli Jeddah, Shabab Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad Jeddah.

This decision gives Al Gharafa the advantage of playing at its usual stadium against major Asian clubs in a group described as one of the strongest in the tournament, increasing the significance of its results in the early matches.