Cristiano Ronaldo, on high alert after the rocket attacks! » Last minute decision made in the Asian Champions League
Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Sunday, March 01, 2026, 2:19 p.m. / Updated Sunday, March 01, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Sunday the postponement of all Champions League matches that were to take place in the Middle East, for security reasons. Al-Nassr, the team of star Cristiano Ronaldo, is deeply affected by this decision.
The decision comes in the context of Iran's response to the attacks that came in the morning of Saturday from Israel and the United States of America.
Matches postponed in the Asian Champions League
On the last day of February, Israel together with the United States of America launched a military attack on Iran, called “Operation Epic Fury”, with the aim of destroying parts of the military and nuclear capabilities of the state with the capital in Terehan. Donald Trump himself, the president of the United States of America, announced the start of this military operation.
In this context, the AFC took the decision to postpone 8 matches that were to take place in the Middle East area, scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. These are matches from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Lebanon and Oman.
Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo's team, were due to travel to the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, March 4, to face Al-Wasl, but this match has also been postponed. The days on which these matches will be played will be announced later by the competition organizers.
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Monday, March 2, Al-Ahli Dubai (United Arab Emirates) – Tractor (Iran)Asian Champions League
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Monday, March 2, Al-Duhail (Qatar) – Al-Ahli SC (Saudi Arabia)Asian Champions League
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Tuesday, March 3, Al-Wahda (United Arab Emirates) – Al-Ittihad FC (Saudi Arabia)Asian Champions League
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Tuesday, March 3, Al-Sadd (Qatar) – Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)Asian Champions League
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Tuesday, March 3, Al-Ahli Doha (Qatar) – Al-Hussein (Jordan)Asian Champions League 2
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Wednesday, March 4, Al-Wasl (United Arab Emirates) – Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)Asian Champions League 2
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Wednesday, March 4, Al-Ansar (Lebanon) – Muras United (Kyrgyzstan)Challenge League
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Wednesday, March 4, Al-Shabab (Oman) – Al-Kuwait (Kuwait)Challenge League
In light of the evolving situation in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the 2025/26 AFC Elite Champions League™ West Region Round of 16 first leg matches, originally scheduled for 2-3 March 2026, will be rescheduled.
In addition, the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ and AFC Challenge League™ 2025/26™ quarter-final first legs involving teams from the West Region, originally scheduled for 3-4 March 2026, are also postponed until further notice.
Matches involving East Region clubs in all AFC club competitions will go ahead as originally scheduled.
The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials and fans.
– the press release issued by AFC
Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr's shirt // PHOTO: Imago Images
