Chengdu Rongchen FC (CHN) v Bangkok United (THA)
Debutants Chengdu Rongchen FC will aim to make home ground advantage count when they welcome Bangkok United to the Phoenix Hill Sports Park Football Stadium in Chengdu.

 

The club clinched an inaugural appearance on the continental stage with a third-placed finish in the 2024 Chinese Super League and will be determined to seal a League Stage spot to cap their meteoric rise since being founded in 2018.

 

They reached the top tier of Chinese football in 2022 and are well placed to challenge for the domestic title, having defeated Dalian Zhixing on Friday to move within two points of leaders Shanghai Shenhua.

Bangkok United, meanwhile, missed out last season after having reached the Round of 16 in 2023/24.

 

They sealed a place in the Preliminary Stage with a second place finish in the 2024/25 Thai League 1 but might have a problem with match fitness as their domestic season kicks off on Friday.

Chengdu Rongchen FC (CHN) v Bangkok United (THA)
Venue: Phoenix Hill Sports Park Football Stadium (Chengdu)
Kick-off: 19:35 (UTC+8)

Al Duhail SC (QAT) v Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan FC (IRN)
The second Preliminary Stage tie will be between two sides aiming to feature in the new format of Asia's top club competition for the first time.

 

Both missed out last season, with 2022 AFC Champions League™ semi-finalists Al Duhail sealing their place after finishing as the 2024/25 Qatar Stars League runners-up.

It will be Al Duhail's first competitive match of the season, with the 2025/26 Qatar Stars League only kicking off on Thursday.

 

Rust may also be a problem for Sepahan as the 2024/25 Iran Pro League starts next week.

Sepahan, who are seeking a 15th appearance on the continental stage, were 2007 AFC Champions League finalists.

 

Al Duhail SC (QAT) v Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan FC (IRN)
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan)
Kick-off: 19:00 (UTC+3)