According to the Tehran Times, 32 teams (16 each from the Eastern and Western regions) were divided into eight groups, with a competition that would begin on September 16th.
In the West Zone, Group A top seed Alwasl FC (UAE) will be portrayed alongside Estegral FC (IRN), Almuharak SC (BHR), and Alwedat (JOR), while debutant Alai SC (QAT) will need to compete with PFC Andijon (UZB) and AFC Challenge League 2025 champion FC Arkadag (UZB). Khaldiya SC (BHR) of Group B
In Group C, Sepahan SC (IRN), Alfsain (JOR), Mohunbagan Super Giant (IND), and Ahal FC (TKM) compete for two spots in the 16th round.
In the East Zone, Beijing FC (CHN), MacArthur FC (AUS), TAI PO FC (HKG), and CONG AN HA NOI FC (VIE) travel head-on in Group E, while Gamba Osaka (JPN), Nam Dinh FC (Vie), Ratchaburi FC (Tha) and Eastern FC (HKG) are groups.
Group G includes Bangkok United (THA), Selangor FC (MAS), 2024/25 runner-up Lion City Sailor (SGP), Persiv Bandung (IND), three-time Asian champions FC Pohan Steelers (KOR), BG Pasm United (THA), Kaya FC Ilorio (PHI) and Tampin Robbers FR Frossphrase Flight from fras from
The group stage is scheduled to end on December 24th, 2025. It will then move to rounds of 16 between February 10th and 19th, 2026. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be set from March 3rd to 12th and April 7th to 15th respectively, with the final pencil being held on May 16th, 2026.
Draw the result
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: Sepahan SC (IRN), Alfsain (JOR), Mohunbagan 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 Sailor FC (SGP), Persiv Bandung (IDN)
Group H: FC Pohang Steelers (Kor), BG Pathum United (THA), Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI), Tampines Rovers FC (SGP)
MNA