Asian Football
AFC Champions League Two knockout stage draw sets intriguing matchups
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The knockout stage draw for the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 was held on December 30, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, pairing 16 teams for the round of 16. Notable fixtures include Turkmenistan's FC Arkadag against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr from Saudi Arabia and Japan's Gamba Osaka versus South Korea's Pohang Steelers. The ties promise competitive battles, with the tournament culminating in a single-leg final on May 16, 2026.
The AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 West Zone group stage concluded on December 25, determining the eight teams advancing to the round of 16. Standout performances from Al Nassr Club and Al Wasl FC highlighted the final matchday, with the knockout draw set for December 30 in Kuala Lumpur. Several clubs secured progression through decisive victories across the groups.
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Vietnam claimed the biggest rise in FIFA's December 22 men's world rankings, jumping three spots to a 2025-high 107th globally (19th in Asia) after defeating Laos, while Malaysia fell to 121st over ineligible players. As Spain holds No. 1 in this final 2025 update (overview in series), the changes spotlight Asian preparations for major tournaments.