Dubai: Eight-time UAE league champions Al Wasl FC are set to kick off their Group A campaign in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) against Iran’s Esteghlal FC. The match is scheduled for 17th September at 8:00 pm at the Zabeel Stadium in Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Group Stage of ACL Two begins on 16th September, with 32 teams from the 2025/26 edition aiming for Continental success. The competition, now in its 21st season following a revamp in 2024/25, features eight groups divided between East and West Asia. This season also includes two debutant teams participating in continental action for the first time.
In West Asia, Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Club, who finished third in their league, will face Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol at 9:15 pm at Riyadh’s King Saud University Stadium. At the same time, Al Hussein, the back-to-back Jordanian league champions, will host Iran’s Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC at the Amman International Stadium.
Qatar’s Al Ahli SC returns to Continental competition, playing at 7 pm at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha against Bahrain’s Al Khaldiya SC. Turkmenistan’s Arkadag will debut in the continental arena against Uzbekistan’s Andijon.
In East Asia, the action continues on 17th and 18th September. Japan’s Gamba Osaka, who finished fourth in their league last season, will open Group F at the Suita City Football Stadium against Eastern FC of Hong Kong, China, at 7 pm.
Vietnamese league champions Nam Dinh FC, who claimed their third title last season, will participate for the second time, hosting Ratchaburi FC from Thailand at the Thien Troung Stadium at 7 pm. Meanwhile, Beijing FC, fourth in their league last year, will play at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing against Cong An Ha Noi FC, the Vietnamese cup winners in 2024/25, at 8:15 pm. Cong An Ha Noi FC’s participation marks the 15th club from Vietnam to compete in this tournament, the highest number from any Member Association.