Qatar Clubs Begin AFC Champions League Elite West Zone Campaign

Qatar's three representatives, Al Sadd, Al Gharafa and Al Shamal, will begin their AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27 West Zone league-stage campaigns this week.

Al Sadd will face Iran's Esteghlal away on Monday at Basra International Stadium, which serves as the Iranian club's home venue. Al Shamal will host two-time champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia on Monday at Al Bayt Stadium.

Al Gharafa will travel to Riyadh to meet Saudi champions Al Hilal on Tuesday at Kingdom Arena.

The expanded competition now features 32 clubs, divided equally between the East and West zones. Qatar's direct allocation has increased to three places from two direct places and one play-off place in the previous edition.

Each club will play eight league-stage matches against different opponents in its zone, with four at home and four away. The top eight teams in each zone will advance to the round of 16.

Al Sadd qualified as Qatar Stars League champions, Al Gharafa as the 2026 Amir Cup winners and Al Shamal as league runners-up. The league stage runs from September 14 to February 17, 2027.

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