Will FC Goa Take on Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in AFC Champions League Two?
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Synopsis
The AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 draw has set the stage for an exciting clash as FC Goa finds itself pitted against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr. With Mohun Bagan also featuring in a challenging group, anticipation builds for these Indian clubs in the prestigious tournament. Can they shine on this continental stage?
Key Takeaways
- FC Goa will face Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in Group D.
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant is in Group C with tough opponents.
- The tournament starts on September 16, 2025.
- A total of 32 teams are competing in the tournament.
- This is a significant opportunity for Indian clubs on an international stage.
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 15 (NationPress) The draw for the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 was revealed at AFC House on Friday, placing FC Goa in the same group as Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.
FC Goa, the champions of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, are in Group D alongside Al Nassr Club (Saudi Arabia), Al Zawra'a SC (Iraq), and FC Istiklol (Tajikistan).
The Gaurs secured their position in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Group Stage by overcoming a late challenge from Al Seeb Club of Oman, clinching a 2-1 victory in their Preliminary Stage match.
FC Goa's rivals include Al Nassr, which finished third in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25, while Al Zawra'a SC were the runners-up of the Iraq Stars League 2024-25, and FC Istiklol claimed the title in the Tajikistan Higher League 2024.
Meanwhile, the 2024-25 ISL Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant are placed in Group C with Sepahan SC (Iran), Al Hussein SC (Jordan), and Ahal FC (Turkmenistan).
This marks Mohun Bagan SG's eighth entry into Asia's second-tier men's club tournament, which transitioned from the AFC Cup to the AFC Champions League Two last season. FC Goa will be competing in continental football for the second time, having previously represented India in the 2021 AFC Champions League.
Opponents for Mohun Bagan SG include Sepahan SC, the Persian Gulf Pro League 2024-25 runners-up, Al Hussein SC, the champions of the Jordanian Pro League 2024-25, and Ahal FC, the runners-up of the Ýokary Liga 2024.
The competition features 32 teams divided into eight groups, with the matches set to commence on September 16.
The Group Stage will conclude on December 24, followed by the Round of 16 from February 10-19, 2026. The quarter-finals and semi-finals are scheduled for March 3-12 and April 7-15, respectively, culminating in the final on May 16, 2026.
Draw results:
Group A: Al Wasl FC (UAE), Esteghlal FC (IRN), Al Muharraq SC (BHR), Al Wehdat (JOR)
Group B: Al Ahli SC (QAT), PFC Andijon (UZB), FC Arkadag (TKM), Al Khaldiya SC (BHR)
Group C: Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC (IRN), Al Hussein (JOR), Mohun Bagan Super Giant (IND), Ahal FC (TKM)
Group D: Al Nassr Club (KSA), Al Zawraa SC (IRQ), FC Istiklol (TJK), FC Goa (IND)
Group E: Beijing FC (CHN), Macarthur FC (AUS), Tai Po FC (HKG), Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)
Group F: Gamba Osaka (JPN), Nam Dinh FC (VIE), Ratchaburi FC (THA), Eastern FC (HKG)
Group G: Bangkok United (THA), Selangor FC (MAS), Lion City Sailors FC (SGP), Persib Bandung (IDN)
Group H: FC Pohang Steelers (KOR), BG Pathum United (THA), Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI), Tampines Rovers FC (SGP)
Point of View
It's heartening to witness Indian clubs like FC Goa and Mohun Bagan competing in the AFC Champions League Two. This tournament not only showcases the growing talent in Indian football but also presents an opportunity for our clubs to gain valuable experience on an international platform. The draw is challenging, yet it fuels excitement among fans and players alike.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AFC Champions League Two?
The AFC Champions League Two is Asia's second-tier men's club football tournament, featuring teams from across the continent.
When does the tournament start?
The tournament kicks off on September 16, 2025.
How many teams are participating?
A total of 32 teams are participating, divided into eight groups.
What is the significance of this tournament for Indian clubs?
It provides Indian clubs with exposure to international competition and helps raise the profile of Indian football.
Who are the notable players in the tournament?
Cristiano Ronaldo is a notable player representing Al Nassr in this year's tournament.
