The ongoing Iran–Israel conflict has begun to impact the sporting world, with Asian football becoming the latest casualty of the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially postponed all AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region that were scheduled for March 2–3, 2026, citing security concerns.
The decision also affects the AFC Champions League Two 2025–26 quarter-final first-leg fixture between UAE side Al Wasl and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, which was set to take place on March 4. That match, along with other West Region games, has now been postponed until further notice.
In an official statement, the AFC said, “In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2–3, 2026, will now be rescheduled.”
The governing body further clarified that the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 and AFC Challenge League 2025/26 quarter-final first-leg matches involving West Region teams, scheduled between March 3 and 4, have also been postponed.
🟡 The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that our next game against AlWasl, originally scheduled on March 4, 2026, are postponed until further notice. pic.twitter.com/XrIJVMNclc
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) March 1, 2026
However, matches involving clubs from the East Region across all AFC competitions will proceed as originally planned.
“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans,” the statement added.
In their previous match, Al-Nassr secured a 3–1 comeback victory over Al-Fayha to stay atop the Saudi Pro League standings.
Despite an early setback from an Abdulelah Al-Amri own goal and a rare penalty miss by Cristiano Ronaldo in the 11th minute, the team made a comeback late in the second half with goals from Sadio Mané and Abdullah Al-Hamdan, alongside an own goal by Al-Fayha’s goalkeeper.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute with an ice pack on his hamstring, though coach Jorge Jesus later attributed the exit to muscular fatigue rather than a serious injury.
When Will the Matches Be Rescheduled?
At this stage, no new dates have been officially confirmed. The immediate priority remains safety, and any decision will depend on how the security situation in the region evolves.
However, scheduling constraints could force the AFC to act quickly once conditions stabilise. The knockout stage draw for the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-finals is scheduled for March 18, 2026, meaning the Round of 16 ties would likely need to be completed before then.
The calendar is equally tight for other competitions. In the AFC Champions League Two, the semi-finals are set for April 7–8 (first leg) and April 14–15 (second leg). Meanwhile, the AFC Challenge League semi-finals are scheduled for April 8–9 and April 15–16.
With such limited room in the calendar, prolonged delays could create major logistical challenges.
Another possible solution could be shifting West Region matches to neutral venues such as Thailand or Malaysia. However, ongoing airspace closures and travel disruptions across parts of the Middle East currently complicate even that option.
