2026-2027 AFC Champions League Draw Results Revealed

The draw for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2026-2027, held today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has resulted in tough matchups for Saudi and Arab clubs. This new edition features a record participation from clubs, with an expanded format that increases the difficulty of competition.

The tournament sees the participation of 32 clubs in the league stage, with 16 teams from the West and 16 from the East. Saudi Arabia has secured five spots for the first time, represented by Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, and Al Qadsiah.

The complete draw results for the Western Region have been announced.

Top Level: The highest tier of competition showcases the best teams and players, providing thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.

Al Ahli Saudi – Al Ain UAE – Al Sadd Qatar – Esteghlal Tehran Iran.

The second tier of football leagues offers a competitive environment for clubs aiming for promotion to the top division. Teams in this league often showcase emerging talents and intense rivalries.

The upcoming matches will see Al Nassr from Saudi Arabia face off against Al Ahli from the UAE, while Iraq's Air Force will take on Uzbekistan's Neftchi. These encounters promise to deliver thrilling football action as teams vie for supremacy in their respective competitions.

The third level of football is often a battleground for clubs striving for promotion to higher divisions. Teams in this league face intense competition, and every match can be crucial for their aspirations.

In the Gulf football scene, Saudi Al Hilal, Qatari Al Gharafa, UAE Al Wasl, and Iranian Tractor are making headlines. These clubs are known for their competitive spirit and have a significant following in their respective countries.

The fourth level of football is often where emerging talents showcase their skills and teams strive for promotion. This level is crucial for the development of players and clubs aiming to ascend the ranks.

Al-Ittihad, Al-Qadsiah, and Al-Shamal are set to clash with Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor in a thrilling encounter.

Al Nassr is set to compete in several crucial matches during the league phase. Fans are eager to see how the team will perform against their rivals.

Al Nassr will host Qatari clubs Al Sadd, Neftchi from Uzbekistan, UAE's Al Wasl, and Al Shamal from Qatar. Meanwhile, they will visit UAE's Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli, Qatari side Al Gharafa, and Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor.

Al Hilal has been showcasing strong performances in the league stage this season. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches as the team aims for the top of the table.

Al Hilal will host Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Gharafa, and Pakhtakor, while facing Al Sadd, Neftchi, Al Wasl, and Al Shamal away.

Al Ahly's matches in the league stage are crucial for their title aspirations. Fans are eager to see how the team performs against their rivals.

Al Ahly will play at home against Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Gharafa, and Pakhtakor, while they will travel to face Al Sadd, Neftchi, Al Wasl, and Al Shamal.

The Union team is gearing up for their upcoming matches in the league stage. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the team will perform as they aim for a strong showing.

Al Ittihad will host Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Gharafa, and Pakhtakor, while facing tough away matches against Al Sadd, Neftchi, Al Wasl, and Al Shamal.

Qadsia's matches in the league stage are set to begin soon. Fans are eagerly anticipating the team's performance as they aim for a strong showing this season.

Qadsia will play at home against Al Sadd, Neftchi, Al Wasl, and Al Shamal, while they will face Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Gharafa, and Pakhtakor away.

Al Ain FC is set to compete in several upcoming matches as they aim to secure their position in the league.

Al Ain will host Esteghlal Tehran, Al Nassr, Tractor, and Al Qadisiyah, while they will travel to meet Al Ahli, Iraqi Air Force, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad.

Al Wasl FC has a series of exciting matches lined up in the UAE Pro League. Fans are eager to see how the team performs in the upcoming fixtures.

Al Wasl will host Al Ahli, Al Quwa Al Jawiya, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad, while facing tough away games against Esteghlal Tehran, Al Nassr, Tractor, and Al Qadisiyah.

Shabab Al Ahli Dubai is set to compete in several upcoming matches, showcasing their talent and determination in the league.

Shabab Al Ahli will host Esteghlal Tehran, Al Nassr, Tractor, and Al Qadsiah in their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, they will face Al Ahli, Al Quwa Al Jawiya, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad away from home.

Al Gharafa SC, one of Qatar's prominent football clubs, is gearing up for their upcoming matches in the league. Fans are eager to see how the team performs as they aim for a strong season.

Al Gharafa plays at home against Esteghlal Tehran, Al Nassr, Tractor, and Al Qadsia, while they will face Al Ahli, Al Quwa Al Jawiya, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad away.

Al Sadd SC, one of Qatar's premier football clubs, continues to compete in various tournaments. Fans are eager to see how the team performs in their upcoming fixtures.

Al Sadd will host Al Ahli, Al Quwa Al Jawiya, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad, while also facing tough away matches against Esteghlal Tehran, Al Nassr, Tractor, and Al Qadisiyah.

Qatar North teams are set to face off in a series of exciting matches.

Al-Shamal hosts Al-Ahli, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad, while facing Esteghlal Tehran, Al-Nassr, Tractor, and Al-Qadisiyah away.

The Iraqi Air Force football team has been making headlines with their recent performances. Fans are eager to see how they will fare in the upcoming fixtures.

Air Force Club will play at home against Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Gharafa, and Pakhtakor. Meanwhile, they will face Al Sadd, Neftchi, Al Wasl, and Al Shamal away.

Esteghlal Tehran is set to compete in several upcoming matches that promise to be thrilling encounters. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the team will perform in the league.

Esteghlal Tehran will face Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Qadsiah at home, while they will travel to take on Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Gharafa, and Al Sadd.

Tractor Sazi continues to make headlines in the Iranian football scene with their recent matches. Fans are eagerly following the team's performance as they strive for success in the league.

Tractor FC will welcome Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Qadisiyah at home. Meanwhile, they will face challenging away matches against Al Ain, Al Ahli, Al Gharafa, and Al Sadd.

Neftchi's matches have been a focal point in Uzbekistan's football scene. The team has shown resilience and skill in their recent fixtures, aiming for a strong finish in the league.

Neftchi will host matches at home against Al Ain, Al Ahli, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad, while they will visit Al Nassr, Al Qadsiah, Al Wasl, and Al Shamal.

Pakhtakor's upcoming matches are set to showcase the team's talent and determination in the league.

Pakhtakor will host Al Ain, Al Ahly, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad. Meanwhile, they will play away against Al Nassr, Al Qadsiah, Al Wasl, and Al Shamal.

> Editorial Note: These lists display the paths of the draw and club matchups as announced by sources following the draw, with the distribution of matches between home and away teams.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the format for the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League. This new structure aims to enhance the competition and provide a more exciting experience for fans and teams alike.

Each team will play 8 matches in the league phase, with four at home and four away, facing two teams from each level according to a draw mechanism, while avoiding matches against teams from the same country.

The top eight clubs from each region advance to the Round of 16, while the journey ends for teams ranked ninth to sixteenth at the league stage.

The Round of 16 matches will be played in a home-and-away format, where the group leader will face the eighth-placed team, the second will meet the seventh, the third will clash with the sixth, and the fourth will take on the fifth.

The schedule for the upcoming league matches has been announced.

First Round: September 14-15, 2026.

The second round is set to take place on October 12 and 13, 2026.

The third round is set to take place on October 26 and 27, 2026.

Matchday 4 is set to take place on November 2 and 3, 2026.

Matchday 5 is set to take place on November 23 and 24, 2026.

Matchday 6 is set to take place on December 7 and 8, 2026.

Matchday 7 is scheduled for February 8 and 9, 2027.

Matchday 8 is set to take place on February 15 and 16, 2027.

The path to the knockout stages and the final is always filled with excitement and anticipation. Teams must navigate through challenging matches to secure their place in the later rounds.

The Round of 16 matches will be held in March 2027, before moving on to the final stages hosted by Saudi Arabia, starting from the quarter-finals up to the final match.

The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will be held in a centralized format in Saudi Arabia, from April 23 to May 1, 2027, to determine the champion of the new edition.

The spotlight is particularly on the Saudi quintet, as the draw has placed Al Hilal against Al Ain, and Al Nassr in a clash with Al Sadd. Meanwhile, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, and Al Qadisiyah are set to face strong opponents from the continent's elite.