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Indian football fans are abuzz with anticipation as Cristiano Ronaldo’s club, Al Nassr, has been drawn in the same group as FC Goa for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two 2025–26 season. The draw, held in Kuala Lumpur on August 15, has sparked speculation about whether the Portuguese legend will make his first-ever appearance on Indian soil.
Group D of the tournament features Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia), FC Goa (India), Al Zawraa SC (Iraq), and FC Istiklol (Tajikistan), setting the stage for a high-profile clash that could redefine the visibility of Indian football on the global stage.
Key Developments and Tournament Structure
- The AFC Champions League Two kicks off on September 16, 2025, with group stage matches running until December 24
- Round of 16 matches are scheduled for February 10–19, 2026, followed by quarterfinals in March and semifinals in April
- The final will be held on May 16, 2026
- FC Goa qualified for the group stage after defeating Oman’s Al Seeb 2–1 in a preliminary round
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the second Indian team in the tournament, is placed in Group C
FC Goa’s Road to the Spotlight
FC Goa’s qualification marks a significant milestone for the club, which secured its berth by winning the Super Cup earlier this year. In the playoff against Al Seeb, goals from Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio sealed the victory, showcasing the team’s growing competitiveness on the continental stage.
This will be FC Goa’s most high-profile fixture since its inception in 2014, and the club is expected to leverage the opportunity to boost its brand and fan engagement.
Will Ronaldo Play in India?
The biggest question surrounding the draw is whether Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to India for the away fixture against FC Goa. Reports suggest that Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr includes a clause allowing him to skip away matches in certain tournaments. Last season, he played only one away game in the AFC Champions League and missed others due to injury or personal discretion.
While Ronaldo’s participation in the Goa leg remains uncertain, he is expected to feature in the home fixture in Riyadh. Even if he opts out of the India visit, fans could still witness other global stars like Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, and Inigo Martinez in action.
Implications for Indian Football
- The draw has elevated India’s profile in Asian football, with global attention now focused on the country’s hosting capabilities
- FC Goa’s clash with Al Nassr could attract unprecedented viewership and media coverage
- The match may serve as a catalyst for increased investment in Indian football infrastructure and talent development
- Local tourism and hospitality sectors in Goa are likely to benefit from the influx of international fans and media
Mohun Bagan’s Parallel Journey
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, India’s other representative, is placed in Group C alongside Sepahan SC (Iran), Al Hussein (Jordan), and Ahal FC (Turkmenistan). The club qualified by winning the ISL Shield and is expected to be a strong contender in its group.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to the AFC Champions League Two begins, Indian football finds itself at a pivotal moment. Whether or not Ronaldo steps onto Indian turf, the mere possibility has already ignited excitement and elevated the tournament’s stature. For FC Goa, this is more than just a match—it’s a chance to make history.
Sources: India Today, The Indian Express, Sportstar, MSN India
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