Indian football fans have plenty to look forward to as the AFC Champions League Two group stage draw was revealed on Friday, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, setting the stage for a high-stakes continental campaign. Two Indian Super League (ISL) clubs will feature in the competition in the 2025-26 season.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured their place in the group stages by winning the League Shield in 2024-25 while FC Goa beat Al Seeb Club in the Preliminary Stage knockout clash to make their way in the group stage. FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have been each placed in separate groups, giving the country a strong double presence on Asia’s competitive stage.

The Gaurs have been drawn in Group D, which features Saudi heavyweights Al Nassr, Al Zawraa SC from Iraq and Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol.

With that, here’s a closer look at their group stage opponents.

Al Nassr Club (Saudi Arabia)

One of Asia’s most illustrious clubs, Al Nassr boasts a rich history of domestic and continental success. They have claimed the Saudi top-tier league nine times, won multiple domestic cups and secured both the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup and the Asian Super Cup in 1998.

The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in early 2023 brought global attention and he quickly became a talismanic figure. Since his arrival, many high-profile signings have also joined the club.

Just months ago, Al Nassr reached the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite, cruising past Yokohama F Marinos 4-1 to join fellow Saudi clubs Al Hilal and Al Ahli in the last four.

Al Zawraa SC (Iraq)

A powerhouse in Iraqi football, Al Zawraa has won 14 league titles, the most in the country. They've also lifted the Iraq FA Cup multiple times, including their 16th in 2019. On the continental stage, Al Zawraa have participated in the AFC Champions League and made regular appearances in the AFC Cup. Though not recent silverware on the continental trophy shelf, their domestic consistency and experience in Asia make them a reliable, tough opponent.

FC Istiklol (Tajikistan)

FC Istiklol stands as the undisputed king of Tajik football. They’ve won the Tajik League 13 times, with a streak of recent titles up to 2024, as well as 10 national cups and 13 Super Cup victories.

Istiklol claimed the AFC President’s Cup in 2012 and finished as runners-up in the AFC Cup in 2015 and 2017. Though their exposure to the highest tier of Asian club football has been limited, their regional pedigree and dominance make them no pushover.