Hanoi, 12 August 2026 – Hanoi Police FC will discover their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 opponents when the league-stage draw takes place at the. Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur on August 18. The ceremony begins at 4 p.m. Malaysian time, equivalent to 3 p.m. in Vietnam. Asia’s premier club competition has been expanded to 32 teams, with 16 clubs competing in each regional league.
The V.League 1 champions earned their place by securing an impressive 2-0 victory over Adelaide United in Australia. David Henen and Brayan “Koko” Perea scored for Alexandre Polking’s side, while goalkeeper Filip Nguyen produced several important saves. Hanoi Police FC’s qualification represents a significant achievement for Vietnamese club football.
Hanoi Police FC have reportedly been placed in Pot 4 alongside Ratchaburi FC, Kyoto Sanga and Gamba Osaka. The complete East-region draw pots are:
Pot 1: Kashima Antlers, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Buriram United, Shanghai Port
Pot 2: Newcastle Jets, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Vissel Kobe, Daejeon Hana Citizen
Pot 3: Port FC, Beijing Guoan, Kashiwa Reysol, Pohang Steelers
Pot 4: Ratchaburi FC, Kyoto Sanga, Hanoi Police FC, Gamba Osaka
The draw could produce several major tests. Kashima Antlers won Asia’s leading club competition in 2018, while Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors lifted the continental trophy in 2006 and 2016. Pohang Steelers are three-time Asian champions, and Gamba Osaka won the AFC Champions League in 2008 before claiming the AFC Champions League Two title in 2025/26.
Buriram United are another dangerous potential opponent after establishing themselves as Thailand’s dominant club and a regular presence in continental competition. Johor Darul Ta’zim have enjoyed similar domestic dominance in Malaysia, while Vissel Kobe possess one of Japan’s strongest squads.
Under the new format, Hanoi Police FC will face two teams from each pot, playing eight matches against eight different opponents—four at home and four away. The eight highest-ranked clubs in the East-region standings will advance to the Round of 16.
VSN/RPT
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