Four Iraqi clubs enter Asian and Gulf fixtures between 12 and 14 October 2026

Four Iraqi clubs are taking part in important overseas fixtures this week: two clubs in Asian competitions and two in the 2026–2027 Gulf Clubs Champions League, aiming for positive results and to represent Iraqi football in the best possible way.

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya begin their Asian campaign by hosting UAE side Al Ain on Monday, 12 October, in the AFC Champions League Elite. Meanwhile, Al-Shorta visit India's East Bengal on Tuesday, 13 October, in the second round of the AFC Champions League 2.

In the Gulf Clubs Champions League, Al-Zawraa meet hosts Qatar SC on Tuesday, 13 October, in the first round of the group stage, while Erbil face hosts Ajman (UAE) on Wednesday, 14 October, to kick off their campaign in the competition.

The group stage of the Gulf Clubs competition starts on 13 October 2026 on a home-and-away basis and runs until 17 February 2027. Quarterfinal matches are scheduled from 2 to 17 March, with the semifinals and the final to be held between 23 and 30 April 2027.

The draw placed Al-Zawraa in Group B alongside Qatar SC, UAE's Al-Nasr and Bahrain's Al-Riffa, while Erbil were placed in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittifaq, UAE's Ajman and Kuwait's Kazma.

The group winners and runners-up from each group qualify for the quarterfinals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

Qatar's Al-Rayyan won the previous edition after beating Saudi Arabia's Al-Shabab in the final.