Kuwait awaits the 2025 AFC Champions League Two draw today

Kuwait officials are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the group stage draw for the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Two, to be held in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, with 32 clubs participating. The 22nd edition of Asia’s second-tier men’s club competition will begin with group stage matches played in a home-and-away league format starting on September 15.

The participant list includes five former champions: Al-Kuwait, Al-Muharraq (Bahrain), Al-Seeb (Oman), Al-Faisaly (Jordan), and Nasaf (Uzbekistan). Meanwhile, Gahar Zagros and Kuching City are the only two clubs making their continental debut. The principle of separating clubs from the same country will be applied, ensuring that no two teams from the same nation are drawn into the same group.

The group stage is scheduled to conclude on December 9, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the round of 16, which will take place between February 9 and 18. Quarter-finals and semi-finals will be held between March 2 and 18, and April 6 and 14, respectively. The final is set for May 15.

According to the slot allocation for the 2026-2027 season, clubs will be divided into four tiers per region. In the West Zone, the tiers are as follows:

Tier 1: Al-Jazira (UAE), Al-Hussein (Jordan), Al-Taawoun (Saudi Arabia), and Al-Ittihad Kalba (UAE).

Tier 2: Al-Rayyan (Qatar), Gahar Zagros (Iran), Nasaf (Uzbekistan), and Al-Shorta (Iraq).

Tier 3: Al-Kuwait, Al-Faisaly (Jordan), Al-Muharraq (Bahrain), and Al-Seeb (Oman).

Tier 4: Al-Khalidiya (Bahrain), Al-Nahda (Oman), Arkadag (Turkmenistan), and East Bengal (India).

Meanwhile, Al-Qadsiah concluded their training camp in Turkey with a 3-2 defeat to Bahraini side Al-Khalidiya. Goals for Al-Qadsiah were scored by Abdulrahman Al-Mashifri and Khaled Al-Kharqaawi as part of their preparations for the upcoming start of the Zain Pro League on the 25th, where they will kick off their campaign against Al-Fahaheel.

The team is scheduled to return to the country today and will resume daily training tomorrow under the guidance of national coach Mohamed Ibrahim.

During their camp, Al-Qadsiah played three friendly matches prior to yesterday’s game. They drew 0-0 with Algerian side WA Tlemcen, previously defeated Saudi Al-Arabi 3-1, and drew 1-1 with Saudi Al-Zulfi.