Draw sets the road for AFC Champions League Two 2026/27

On August 19, the 32 clubs qualified for the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27 were drawn into eight groups during a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking the competition’s 22nd edition. The draw, overseen by AFC officials, sets the stage for a home‑and‑away group phase beginning in September.

Group stage schedule

Group matches will be played in a home‑and‑away round‑robin format, starting on September 15 and concluding on December 9, 2026. Now in its 22nd edition, the tournament features 32 clubs split across eight groups, each group containing four teams. The groups are labeled from Group A to Group H, aligning with AFC’s standard naming convention.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16, which is scheduled between February 9 and February 18, 2027. The quarter‑finals are set for March 2 to 18, 2027.

Semi‑final ties are planned for April 6 through April 14, 2027, after which the championship match is slated for May 15, 2027. These dates complete the competition calendar, spanning from the group stage in September to the final in May.

West and East region draws

In the West region, Group A comprises Al Wahda FC (UAE), PFC Nasaf (UZB), Kuwait SC (KUW) and Al Khaldiya SC (BHR). Group B features Al Jazira Club (UAE), Golgohar Sirjan SC (IRN), Al Muharraq SC (BHR) and FC Arkadag (TKM). Group C sees Al Taawoun FC (KSA) drawn with Al Rayyan SC (QAT), Al Faisaly (JOR) and Al Nahda Club (OMA). Group D includes Al Hussein (JOR), Al Shorta (IRQ), Al Seeb Club (OMA) and East Bengal FC (IND).

Group E in the East pits FC Seoul (KOR) against Melbourne Victory FC (AUS), The Cong – Viettel FC (VIE) and either Persib Bandung (IDN) or Manila Digger (PHI). Group F pairs Adelaide United FC (AUS) with BG Pathum United (THA), Lion City Sailors FC (SGP) and Tai Po FC (HKG). Group G is headed by FC Machida Zelvia (JPN) alongside Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN), Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC (CAM) and Tampines Rovers FC (SGP). Group H features Gangwon FC (KOR), Kuching City FC (MAS), Kitchee SC (HKG) and Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM).

Overall, the 32 qualified clubs represent 25 different countries across Asia and Oceania.

The group stage will kick off on September 15, giving clubs a three‑month window to secure a top‑two finish before the February knockout phase. Fans can look forward to the first matches in Kuala Lumpur as the competition returns to its 22nd edition.