Live draw of the 2026/27 Asian Champions League, 3:00 PM today, August 18

Live update on the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League group stage draw taking place at 3:00 PM on August 18 (Vietnam time) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Watch the live stream here!

When and where is the live draw of the 2026/27 Asian Champions League?

• Time: 3:00 PM today, August 18.
• Location: Kuala Lumpur Stadium, Malaysia.
• Tournament: 2026/27 Asian Champions League.
• Live stream: Official AFC YouTube channel.

2026/2027 AFC Champions League Group Stage Draw: CAHN Awaits Major Challenges

The group stage draw ceremony for the2026/2027 AFC Champions League will take place at 3:00 PM on August 18 (Vietnam time) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The focus of Vietnamese fans is on the journey of Hanoi Police FC (CAHN) in their first appearance at the continent's most prestigious tournament.

CAHN secured their place in the group stage after a convincing 2-0 victory on the road against Adelaide United in the play-off round. Goals from Hoang Hen and Koko helped coach Alexandre Polking's squad create a historic milestone, becoming the only representative of Vietnamese football at the Asian Champions League this season.

This year's tournament has been expanded to 32 teams, evenly divided into two regions: East and West. In the Eastern region, CAHN is placed in Pot 4 along with Kyoto Sanga, Gamba Osaka, and Ratchaburi. Each team will face eight different opponents, including two representatives from each seed pot, playing a total of eight matches with four home games and four away games. The top eight teams from each region will qualify for the Round of 16.

Although the draw results have not yet been announced, CAHN is almost certain to face three Japanese representatives: Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, and Kashiwa Reysol, due to the rule that clubs from the same country cannot meet. The remaining five opponents for the police team will be determined during the ceremony on the afternoon of August 18. Notable names that could appear on CAHN's journey include Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Pohang Steelers, Buriram United, Johor Darul Ta'zim, or Newcastle Jets.

CAHN is considered less experienced and with less squad depth than many opponents, but the victory in Australia has shown that Coach Polking's team is capable of springing surprises. The draw results will therefore significantly determine the chances of the Vietnamese representative competing for a spot among the top eight teams.