Iran's Bam Khatoon Secures Pot 2 Spot in the Exciting AFC Women's Champions League 2025-26!

Iran’s Bam Khatoon Secures Pot 2 Spot in the Exciting AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26!

The excitement surrounding the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 is palpable as teams prepare to discover their Group Stage opponents. The official draw is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, at 3 PM, taking place at the prestigious AFC House in Kuala Lumpur. This year’s tournament promises thrilling matchups and fierce competition among the continent’s top clubs.

This second edition of the AFC Women’s Champions League will feature a total of 12 teams, which will be divided into three equal groups. The tournament will adopt a centralized league format, with matches scheduled between November 9 to 23, 2025. This structure not only enhances the excitement for fans but also showcases the growing prominence of women’s football across Asia.

The participating teams include the top six clubs according to the AFC Women’s Club Competition Ranking 2024/25, along with six clubs that advanced through the Preliminary Stage. Remarkably, this stage featured a record 19 teams, concluding on August 31, and highlighted the increasing competitiveness of women’s football in the region.

Among the teams, Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC from China PR will return to defend its title, while eight clubs are set to make their Group Stage debuts:

  • Tokyo Verdy Beleza
  • ISPE WFC
  • Lion City Sailors FC
  • PFC Nasaf
  • East Bengal FC
  • Suwon FC Women
  • Stallion Laguna FC
  • Naegohyang Women’s FC

It’s worth noting that the last four clubs listed will also be making their continental debuts, further emphasizing the tournament’s diversity and the rise of new talent in women’s football.

The teams have been seeded for the draw based on their Competition Ranking. The top seed is title-holder Wuhan Jiangda, with the three hosts placed in a separate pot. The seeding breakdown is as follows:

Seeding Breakdown for the Draw

  • Pot 1:
    • Melbourne City FC (AUS; Rank: 1)
    • Suwon FC Women (KOR; Rank: 2)
  • Pot 2:
    • Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN; Rank: 3)
    • Bam Khatoon FC (IRN; Rank: 7)
  • Pot 3:
    • Stallion Laguna FC (PHI; Rank: 9)
    • East Bengal FC (IND; Rank: 11)
    • Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK; Rank: 13)
  • Pot 4:
    • PFC Nasaf (UZB; Rank: 14)
    • Lion City Sailors FC (SGP; Rank: 23)

In addition to these pots, there are also hosts designated for the tournament:

  • Hosts Pot:
    • Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC (CHN; Seed: 1)
    • Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE; Seed: 2)
    • ISPE WFC (MYA; Seed: 4)

The AFC Women’s Champions League not only serves as a platform for the best clubs to vie for the title but also plays a crucial role in promoting women’s football across Asia. With each passing year, the level of competition continues to rise, reflecting the dedication and passion of players, coaches, and supporters alike. As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent and sportsmanship.

Fans and football enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the draw, which will determine the matchups for this highly anticipated tournament. With the inclusion of new teams and the presence of established champions, the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 is set to be a memorable event that highlights the growth and future of women’s football in Asia.

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