Kuala Lumpur: The 20 teams vying for AFC Challenge League™ 2025/26 glory have learned their Group Stage opponents following the official draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The teams are divided into five groups, with two groups in the East Zone and three in the West Zone. Matches will be played from 25 October to 1 November 2025 in a single round-robin centralised league format.

West Zone Groups:

  • Group A: Altyn Asyr FC (TKM), Al Shabab Club (OMA), Paro FC (BHU, hosts), FC Abdysh-Ata (KGZ)
  • Group B: Al Seeb Club (OMA), Al Ansar FC (LBN), Kuwait SC (KUW, hosts), Bashundhara Kings (BAN)
  • Group C: FC Regar-TadAZ (TJK), Safa SC (LBN), Al Arabi SC (KUW), FC Muras United (KGZ, hosts)

East Zone Groups:

  • Group D: Manila Digger FC (PHI), Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC (CAM, hosts), SP Falcons (MNG), Ezra FC (LAO)
  • Group E: Dewa United FC (IDN, hosts), Shan United FC (MYA), Tainan City FC (TPE), Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM)

The quarter-finals and semi-finals will be double-legged fixtures, scheduled for March and April 2026, with the final on 9 May 2026.

Fans can view the full match schedule here.

The draw sets the stage for an exciting tournament, with top clubs from across Asia competing for the inaugural AFC Challenge League™ title.

Sayer Zaland

Sayer Zaland is an Afghan sports journalist and media professional, Founder of the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF). Since 2014, he has worked to strengthen independent media in Afghanistan, representing over 100 members nationwide. He continues to advocate for free press, inclusivity, and international cooperation for Afghan journalists.

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