FC Goa vs Al Nassr – A Historic AFC Champions League Two Draw
Indian football fans are in for a blockbuster as FC Goa vs Al Nassr has been confirmed for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two. The draw, held for Asia’s second-tier continental club competition, placed FC Goa in Group D alongside Saudi giants Al Nassr, Iraqi side Al Zawraa SC, and Tajik champions FC Istiklol.
The tournament kicks off on September 16, 2025, with FC Goa set to play home and away matches against Cristiano Ronaldo’s club. While it remains uncertain if the Portuguese superstar will travel to India for the away fixture, the matchup itself is being hailed as a milestone moment for Indian football.
FC Goa’s Road to the Group Stage
Managed by Manolo Marquez, FC Goa sealed their group-stage spot with a dramatic 2-1 playoff win over Al Seeb Club of Oman in Margao. This qualification marks their second continental appearance, following their debut in the 2021 AFC Champions League, where they impressed despite facing elite Asian opposition.
Their participation in AFC Champions League Two provides a major boost for Indian football, especially with the Indian Super League’s (ISL) future still in discussion.
Al Nassr’s Journey and Group Rivals
Al Nassr, featuring global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, narrowly missed out on a place in the AFC Champions League Elite after finishing third in the Saudi Pro League. Instead, they enter the newly formatted Champions League Two, making the FC Goa vs Al Nassr clash a high-profile encounter.
Group D competitors include:
- Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) – SPL 2024–25 third place
- Al Zawraa SC (Iraq) – Iraq Stars League 2024–25 runners-up
- FC Istiklol (Tajikistan) – Tajikistan Higher League champions
- FC Goa (India) – Qualified via playoff win over Al Seeb
Mohun Bagan SG’s Challenge in Group C
The other Indian representative, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, was drawn into Group C, which includes:
- Sepahan SC (Iran) – Persian Gulf Pro League runners-up
- Al Hussein SC (Jordan) – Jordan Pro League champions
- Ahal FC (Turkmenistan) – Ýokary Liga runners-up
This will be Mohun Bagan SG’s eighth appearance in Asia’s second-tier continental competition, previously known as the AFC Cup.
West Region Groups at a Glance
- Group A: Al Wasl FC (UAE), Esteghlal FC (Iran), Al Muharraq SC (Bahrain), Al Wehdat (Jordan)
- Group B: Al Ahli SC (Qatar), PFC Andijon (Uzbekistan), FC Arkadag (Turkmenistan), Al Khaldiya SC (Bahrain)
- Group C: Sepahan SC (Iran), Al Hussein SC (Jordan), Mohun Bagan SG (India), Ahal FC (Turkmenistan)
- Group D: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia), Al Zawraa SC (Iraq), FC Istiklol (Tajikistan), FC Goa (India)
Tournament Schedule
- Group Stage: September 16 – December 24, 2025
- Round of 16: February 10–19, 2026
- Quarter-finals: March 3–12, 2026
- Semi-finals: April 7–15, 2026
- Final: May 16, 2026
What FC Goa vs Al Nassr Means for Indian Football
The FC Goa vs Al Nassr clash is not just a football fixture—it’s a landmark for Indian club football. Hosting a club of Al Nassr’s stature, with Cristiano Ronaldo in its ranks, will significantly raise the sport’s profile in India. Even if Ronaldo doesn’t feature in the away leg, the event is expected to draw massive crowds and global attention.
This encounter highlights how Indian clubs are beginning to make their presence felt on the Asian football stage, competing against some of the continent’s best.
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FAQs About FC Goa vs Al Nassr
Q1. When will FC Goa vs Al Nassr be played?
The group stage begins on September 16, 2025, with fixtures to be announced soon.
Q2. Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in India against FC Goa?
While Al Nassr are scheduled to travel to India, it is uncertain if Ronaldo will make the trip.
Q3. How did FC Goa qualify for AFC Champions League Two?
They beat Al Seeb Club of Oman 2-1 in the playoff round.
Q4. Who are the other teams in FC Goa’s group?
Group D features Al Nassr, Al Zawraa SC, FC Istiklol, and FC Goa.
