AFC Champions League Matches Postponed After U.S.-Israeli Attack on Iran

Fixtures in the Champions League Two, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, also affected

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:39am

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed several Champions League matches in the West Region following a U.S. and Israeli military attack on Iran. The first-leg last-16 ties and other fixtures in the Champions League Two and Challenge League have been rescheduled until further notice due to safety and security concerns.

Why it matters

The postponed matches involve several high-profile international players who recently joined Saudi clubs, raising concerns about the impact on the regional football landscape. The attack on Iran has also led to heightened diplomatic tensions and airspace closures across the Middle East, further complicating the situation.

The details

The AFC Champions League first-leg last-16 ties between Shabab Al Ahli vs. Tractor FC, Al Duhail vs. Al Ahli, Al Wahda vs. Al Ittihad, and Al Sadd vs. Al Hilal have all been postponed. Fixtures in the Champions League Two and Challenge League, including the quarter-final tie between Al Wasl and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, have also been impacted.

  • The postponed matches were originally scheduled for Monday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 3.
  • The AFC Champions League matches in Australia, South Korea and Malaysia will go ahead as planned.

The players

Cristiano Ronaldo

A former Ballon d'Or winner who recently joined Saudi club Al Nassr.

Karim Benzema

A former Ballon d'Or winner who moved to the Saudi Pro League after the country's Public Investment Fund took control of several teams.

Riyad Mahrez

A former Manchester City winger who also joined the Saudi Pro League.

N'Golo Kante

A French international who moved to the Saudi Pro League.

Fabinho

A former Liverpool midfielder who joined the Saudi Pro League.

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What’s next

The AFC has not provided a definite timeline for when the postponed matches will be rescheduled, stating they will continue to monitor the situation.

The takeaway

The postponement of these high-profile AFC Champions League matches highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the region and the challenges facing international sports competitions in the wake of military conflicts and diplomatic crises.