The group stage of the 2026 AFC Champions League has concluded, a stage filled with thrilling action, with the competition for many Round of 16 spots remaining fierce until the very last moment.
A unique kind of excitement begins with the Round of 16, the only round played on a home-and-away basis. The matchups are determined by the final standings of the group stage, before the teams proceed to the next rounds, which will be played in a centralized tournament format in Saudi Arabia.
Sharjah (UAE), Al Gharafa (Qatar), Al Shorta (Iraq), and Nasaf Qarshi (Uzbekistan) were eliminated from the Champions League after finishing between 9th and 12th in the group stage.
Al Hilal topped the group stage standings with 22 points, earned from 7 wins and 1 draw, while defending champions Al Ahli finished second. The Round of 16 in the West Zone will be packed with Arab clubs, with the exception of Tractor Sazi (Iran).
Here are the Round of 16 fixtures for the 2026 AFC Champions League:
Round of 16 Fixtures for AFC Champions League 2026
Al Hilal vs. Al Sadd
Al Ahli vs. Al Duhail
Tractor vs. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai
Al Ittihad vs. Al Wahda
Dates for the Round of 16 Matches in the 2026 AFC Champions League
The first leg matches of the Round of 16 will be played at the home grounds of the lower-ranked teams, between March 2nd and 3rd.
The second leg matches, to be played at the home grounds of the three Saudi Arabian teams and Tractor Sazi of Iran, will take place between March 9th and 10th.
