Air Force Club Reveals Fixtures for Asian Elite Stage

Al Quwa Al Jawiya has officially revealed its match schedule for the league phase of the AFC Champions League for the 2026-2027 season, after qualifying for the tournament as the champion of the Iraqi Premier League in the last season.

"The Falcons" return to the major continental stage after a hiatus, facing heavyweight matches against clubs from the UAE, Qatar, and Uzbekistan.

Air Force Club will start its campaign on Monday, September 14, 2026, with an away match against Neftchi in Uzbekistan at the Independence Stadium in Fergana at 16:45 Baghdad time.

In the second round, the Emirati team Al Ain will host on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Basra International Stadium at 21:15.

They will play their third home match against Pakhtakor from Uzbekistan on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Basra International Stadium at 21:15.

The fourth round leads them to the UAE to face Al Wasl on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai at 19:00.

Air Force Club will host Qatari side Al Gharafa on Monday, November 23, 2026, at Basra International Stadium at 21:15.

In the sixth round, the team will head to Qatar to face Al Sadd on Monday, December 7, 2026, at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha at 21:15.

In the seventh round, Al Ahli Youth will host a match in Basra on Monday, February 8, 2027, at 21:15.

Air Force Club will conclude their league matches with an away game against Al-Shamal on Monday, February 15, 2027, at Al Bayt Stadium at 21:15.

Out of 8 matches, Al Quwa Al Jawiya will play 4 at Basra International Stadium against Al Ain, Pakhtakor, Al Gharafa, and Shabab Al Ahli. This number gives the team a significant advantage to benefit from fan support and collect as many points as possible on home soil.

The four upcoming friendlies are against Neftchi, Al Wasl, Al Sadd, and Al Shamal, and they represent a true test of the team's physical and technical readiness, especially with the extensive travel between Uzbekistan, the UAE, and Qatar.

The draw has placed Air Force Club in a challenging group featuring big names such as Al Ain, the former Asian champion, along with Qatari clubs Al Sadd and Al Gharafa, and UAE's Al Wasl and Shabab Al Ahli. Additionally, they will face the two giants from Uzbekistan, Neftchi and Pakhtakor.

The declared goal of the club's management and coaching staff is to surpass the league stage that Iraqi clubs have struggled with in recent years under the new tournament format. Qualification for the Round of 16 would be an achievement that brings Iraqi football back into the continental spotlight.