Fiery draw in the AFC Champions League Two: Al-Taawoun of Saudi Arabia face Al-Rayyan and Al-Faisaly
The AFC Champions League Two group stage draw has resulted in several high-profile matches between Arab clubs. The tournament will feature 32 teams competing in a league format starting in September 2026.
Why it matters
The draw sets the stage for a major regional sporting competition that impacts football clubs across Asia and the Middle East.
Fiery draw in AFC Champions League 2: Saudi Arabia's Al-Taawoun face Al-Rayyan and Al-Faisaly Al-Taawoun AFC Champions League Two Al Rayyan Al Faisaly SC Saudi Arabia Qatar Jordan Strong Arab clashes
Today's group-stage draw for the AFC Champions League 2, held in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, threw up a string of all-Arab clashes. Saudi Arabia's Al-Taawoun landed in Group Three alongside Qatar's Al-Rayyan, Jordan's Al-Faisaly and Oman's Al-Nahda.
Thirty-two clubs will contest the new edition, playing a league format over two legs, home and away. The group stage kicks off on 15 September and runs until 9 December 2026.
The Asian Football Confederation have locked in the knockout dates. The round of 16 takes place between 9 and 18 February 2027, the quarter-finals between 2 and 18 March, and the semi-finals between 6 and 14 April. The final follows on 15 May 2027.
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