Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 is set for take-off following the conclusion of the Group Stage Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.
The 12 clubs were divided into three groups of four, with DPR Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC aiming to defend their title.
Naegohyang were drawn in Group A, with INAC Kobe Leonessa (JPN), Bam Khatoon FC (IRN) and hosts Ayeyawady FC – Women (MYA) their challengers.
Fellow DPR Korea side 4.25 SC, who are in their debut season, were drawn in Group B alongside Hwacheon KSPO WFC (KOR), Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE) and hosts East Bengal FC (IND).
The Moshal Girls secured their place in the Group Stage for the second consecutive year after finishing atop Group A of the Preliminary Stage in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, ahead of Sabah FA (Malaysia), Rovers FC (Guam), and Rajshahi Stars FC (Bangladesh).
The third edition of the AFC Women’s Champions League will see 12 teams compete across three groups of four each in a centralised league format.
East Bengal FC, the Indian Women’s League champions, will aim to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time. Their opponents Hwacheon KSPO WFC are the WK League champions, while Ho Chi Minh City WFC are the Vietnamese Women’s League Champions and 4.25 SC are the DPR Korea Women’s Premier League champions.
-AIFF Media
Group C top seeds Melbourne City FC (AUS) will have to contend with Beijing Jingtan FC (CHN), Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI) and hosts PFC Nasaf (UZB).
The centralised Group Stage will be played in November, with the top two sides from each group and two best third-placed teams advancing to the Knockout Stage, for which a Draw will be held in December.
The Quarter-finals will be hosted by the top four clubs – the three group winners and best-ranked runners-up – and played in March as single-leg ties.
The Semi-finals and Final – scheduled for May – will be played in a centralised venue.
Draw Result
Group A: Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK), INAC Kobe Leonessa (JPN), Bam Khatoon FC (IRN), Ayeyawady FC – Women (MYA, H)
Group B: Hwacheon KSPO WFC (KOR), Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE), East Bengal FC (IND, H), 4.25 SC (PRK)
Group C: Melbourne City FC (AUS), Beijing Jingtan FC (CHN), Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI), PFC Nasaf (UZB, H)
AFC Media
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