Group Composition and Competition Format
In the newly formed Group C, Qadsia SC and Fortis FC both finished third in their respective leagues, the Kuwaiti Premier League 2025-26 and the Bangladesh Football League 2025-26. Meanwhile, FC Regar-TadAZ earned their spot by winning the Tajikistan Cup 2025. The group stage will feature a total of 20 teams divided into five groups, with three groups located in the West and two in the East. Matches will be played in a single round-robin format from October 17 to 24, 2026, with all Group C games hosted in Kuwait by Qadsia SC.
Advancement to the knockout stages will differ between the two regions. In the West, the three group winners, along with the best-ranked runner-up from all groups, will progress to the quarter-finals. Conversely, in the East, both group winners and runners-up will secure their places in the last eight. The quarter-finals and semi-finals are scheduled to take place in March and April 2027, respectively, culminating in the final match on May 8, 2027.
Looking Ahead
As FC Goa prepares for this competitive journey, the team will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat and make a strong impression in the AFC Challenge League. The upcoming matches will be crucial for the Gaurs as they aim to establish themselves in the tournament and advance beyond the group stage.
