Al Wasl FC Kicks Off AFC Champions League Two 2025/26

The 2025/26 season of the AFC Champions League Two™ (ACL Two) is set to kick off, bringing together Asia’s top football clubs in a thrilling fight for continental glory. This year marks the 21st edition of the competition, formerly known as the AFC Cup™ before its revamp in 2024/25. Football fans across Asia are gearing up for exciting matches, debutant performances, and high-level football action.

The tournament features 32 teams split into East and West Asia groups, and among these teams, some will be playing in the continental competition for the very first time. Fans in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Japan, Vietnam, China, and other nations are particularly excited as their clubs take the stage.

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Al Wasl FC Begins Campaign Against Esteghlal FC

Eight-time UAE league champions Al Wasl FC will start their ACL Two journey in Group A against Iran’s Esteghlal FC. The match is scheduled for 17th September at 8:00 pm at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai.

Al Wasl FC, a club with a rich history in Emirati football, aims to make a strong statement in this year’s competition. With passionate fans cheering from the stands, the team will look to start the group stage with a win, setting the tone for their campaign. Esteghlal FC, a prominent club from Iran, will present a tough challenge, making this opening match an exciting encounter for football fans in West Asia.

Group Stage Begins Across Asia

The Group Stage of the ACL Two begins on 16th September, with 32 teams competing for a place in the knockout rounds. The teams are split into groups based on geography, with East Asia and West Asia having separate match schedules.

The revamped competition brings fresh excitement, especially with two debutant clubs participating for the first time in the continental tournament. These new teams are eager to make an impact and show their talent on the Asian stage.

West Asia Match Highlights

West Asia will see several exciting fixtures on the opening days of the group stage:

• Al Nassr Club (Saudi Arabia), finishing third in their domestic league, will face FC Istiklol (Tajikistan) at 9:15 pm at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh. Al Nassr will be hoping to start their campaign with a strong victory on home soil.

• Al Hussein (Jordan), winners of the Jordanian league for the second consecutive year, will host Iran’s Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC at the Amman International Stadium at the same time. This match promises a competitive encounter as both clubs aim to prove their dominance in the region.

• Al Ahli SC (Qatar) returns to continental action after several years. They will play against Al Khaldiya SC (Bahrain), the cup winners making their second appearance, at 7:00 pm at Al Thumama Stadium. Fans are eagerly awaiting this long-awaited return of Al Ahli SC.

• Arkadag (Turkmenistan) will also make its continental debut against Andijon (Uzbekistan). This match marks a significant milestone for Arkadag, showcasing the growth of football in Turkmenistan.

East Asia Match Highlights

East Asia will host its opening group stage matches on 17th and 18th September:

• Gamba Osaka (Japan), who finished fourth in the Japanese league last season, will face Eastern FC (Hong Kong, China) at 7:00 pm at Suita City Football Stadium. This match will test Gamba Osaka’s consistency and provide an opportunity for Eastern FC to create a memorable performance.

• Nam Dinh FC (Vietnam), the reigning Vietnamese league champions and winners of their third title last season, will play at Thien Truong Stadium against Ratchaburi FC (Thailand), who finished fourth in the Thai league in 2024/25. Nam Dinh FC is aiming for their second participation in the tournament and will be eager to impress their home fans.

• Beijing FC (China), who placed fourth in their domestic league last season, will host Cong An Ha Noi FC (Vietnam) at 8:15 pm at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing. Cong An Ha Noi FC, the first-time Vietnamese cup winners of 2024/25, will become the 15th Vietnamese club to participate in the competition – the most from any single member association.

New Faces and Debutants

The 2025/26 ACL Two season is notable for introducing new clubs to the continental stage. These debutants represent growing football development across Asia, giving fans a chance to see fresh talent and exciting gameplay. Both West and East Asia groups will showcase teams aiming to leave a mark in the tournament.

• Arkadag (Turkmenistan) and two other debutants will be closely watched as they take part in continental football for the first time. Their performance will highlight the rise of football in countries that are still emerging in Asian competitions.

• These new teams are expected to bring energy, unpredictability, and competitive spirit to the tournament, making every match exciting for fans and spectators.

AFC Champions League Two Format

The ACL Two is structured into group stages followed by knockout rounds. Each group consists of four teams, and the top teams from each group advance to the next stage. The competition’s revamp in 2024/25 has made it more inclusive and competitive, with an emphasis on balancing matches between established powerhouses and emerging clubs.

Fans can expect:

• 32 teams competing across Asia

• Group stages in East and West Asia

• Top teams advancing to knockout rounds

• Debutant clubs adding excitement and unpredictability

The competition not only highlights top-level football but also promotes cross-cultural engagement as teams from different countries face off. It provides clubs the chance to gain international experience and elevate their standards.

Fan Excitement and Continental Glory

The AFC Champions League Two continues to grow in popularity, attracting fans from across the continent. Football supporters are preparing for packed stadiums, live broadcasts, and social media buzz. For many clubs, the tournament is an opportunity to gain recognition, attract sponsorship, and showcase their players on a bigger stage.

Al Wasl FC, with its rich history in UAE football, will rely on its loyal fan base to drive them toward success. Matches like these are not just about winning points but also about pride, sportsmanship, and the love of the game.

For debutants and returning clubs alike, the ACL Two is a chance to achieve something memorable – to compete with Asia’s best and leave a lasting legacy.

As the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 begins, Asia’s football fans are in for an exciting season. Clubs like Al Wasl FC, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Gamba Osaka, and Nam Dinh FC will battle for group stage dominance, while new teams and debutants bring fresh excitement to the competition.

From West Asia to East Asia, the tournament promises thrilling matches, emerging talents, and unforgettable moments. Football lovers can follow the matches, support their teams, and witness the rise of new stars in Asian football. The road to continental glory starts on 16th September, and every team is ready to make its mark.