Asian Champions Begin Title Defense Against Uzbekistan's Nasaf 

The AFC Champions League Elite draw took place Friday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, pairing defending champions Al Ahli against Uzbekistan's Nasaf in their opening game as they look to retain their title.

Al Ahli's group features UAE clubs Shabab Al Ahli, Sharjah, and Al Wahda, along with Qatari sides Al Gharafa, Al Sadd, and Al Duhail, plus Iraq's Al Shorta and Uzbekistan's Nasaf.

Each team will play eight group stage games - four at home and four away - with the top eight sides from each region advancing to the Round of 16, set for March 2-11, 2026.

The final rounds will then move to a tournament-style format in Saudi Arabia, with all games from the quarterfinals onwards taking place between April 17-25, 2026.