Al-Ittihad secured their place in the 2026 AFC Champions League quarter-finals after a thrilling victory over Al-Wahda of the UAE, thanks to a last-minute goal from Fabinho in the second period of extra time.
The Round of 16 matches were originally scheduled to be played over two legs, but the ongoing conflict in the Middle East led to the postponement of the competition, resulting in a single-leg match being held in Jeddah.
Results of the 2026 AFC Champions League Round of 16 matches
Al-Ahli achieved a dramatic victory over Al-Duhail with a single goal in the dying moments of extra time, courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Riyad Mahrez reminiscent of his famous goal for Algeria against Nigeria in the semi-final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The biggest surprise came later when Al-Sadd and Al-Hilal played to a 3-3 draw after extra time. The Qatari giants, Al-Sadd, were eliminated on penalties after being the favorites for the title and had remained undefeated in the league.
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai had no difficulty overcoming Iran’s Tractor with a comfortable 3-0 victory, while Al Ittihad secured a 1-0 win against Al Wahda.
In the East Zone, Buriram United, Vissel Kobe, Johor Darul Ta’zim, and Machida Zelvia advanced to the quarterfinals.
AFC Champions League 2026 Quarterfinal Format
As in the previous edition, West Zone teams will face East Zone teams starting from the quarterfinals, whereas previously they only met in the final.
The quarterfinal matches will be played in a single-leg format in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at a neutral venue.
The draw has already determined each team’s path to the final.
AFC Champions League 2026 Quarterfinal Fixtures
Al Sadd of Qatar will face Vissel Kobe in a match promising excitement and entertainment, while defending champions Al Ahli have a relatively manageable task against Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Al Ittihad, who have won the title twice in the last twenty years, will face Machida Zelvia, while Buriram United will play Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.
The Al Sadd vs. Vissel Kobe match is scheduled for next Thursday, while the Al Ahli vs. Johor match will take place on Friday, followed by the Al Ittihad vs. Machida Zelvia match. The quarterfinals will conclude on Saturday with the Buriram United vs. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai match.
AFC Champions League 2026 Quarterfinal Fixtures
Al Sadd vs. Vissel Kobe – Thursday, April 17, 2026, 7:15 PM Mecca Time
Al Ahli vs. Johor – Friday, April 18, 2026, 5:45 PM Mecca Time
Al Ittihad vs. Machida Zelvia – Friday, April 18, 2026, 9:00 PM Mecca Time
Buriram United vs. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai – Saturday, April 19, 2026, 6:15 PM Mecca Time
