Persib Bandung have secured top-seeded status ahead of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2025/26 Round of 16 draw after finishing as winners of Group G in the East Region. Being placed in Pot 1 gives the Indonesian champions a strategic advantage, but the knockout stage still presents a series of complex challenges against strong opponents from across Asia.
Persib Bandung Confirmed as a Top Seed in ACL Two Knockout Stage
Persib Bandung have officially been confirmed as one of the seeded teams for the Round of 16 draw of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2025/26. The announcement was made by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ahead of the knockout-stage draw, following the completion of the group phase in the East Region.
This status was earned after Persib finished as Group G champions, a result that underlines their consistency and competitive strength throughout the group stage. As a Pot 1 team, Persib avoid facing fellow group winners in the opening knockout round, a significant advantage in a tournament where margins are often narrow.
The draw, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, will determine Persib’s pathway through the knockout rounds and shape their prospects of progressing deeper into continental competition.
Pot Allocation and the Landscape of Potential Opponents
East Region Pot Breakdown
In the East Region, Persib Bandung are placed in Pot 1 alongside three other group winners:
- Macarthur FC (Australia)
- Gamba Osaka (Japan)
- Tampines Rovers (Singapore)
These four teams topped their respective groups and are recognized by the AFC as the strongest performers from the group stage in the region.
Meanwhile, Pot 2 consists of the group runners-up:
- Cong An Ha Noi (Vietnam)
- Ratchaburi (Thailand)
- Bangkok United (Thailand)
- Pohang Steelers (South Korea)
As a result, Persib Bandung could be drawn against opponents from Southeast Asia or East Asia, each bringing distinct tactical styles, levels of experience, and competitive intensity.
What This Means for Persib
While Pot 1 status reduces the risk of facing the strongest teams immediately, it does not guarantee an easy path. Clubs such as Pohang Steelers and Cong An Ha Noi possess continental experience and tactical discipline, while Southeast Asian rivals often bring familiarity and high-intensity encounters.
The diversity of potential opponents means Persib must prepare for multiple scenarios, ranging from physically demanding matches to highly structured tactical battles.
AFC Drawing Rules and Group Protection Explained
The AFC applies a group protection principle in the Round of 16 draw to maintain competitive integrity. Under this rule, teams that faced each other during the group stage cannot be drawn against one another again in the first knockout round.
This regulation ensures that Persib Bandung cannot face Bangkok United, a team they already encountered during the group phase in the East Region.
According to the AFC’s official statement:
“Teams from the same group will not be drawn against each other, and this group protection principle will be ensured by the draw software, which will also prevent deadlock situations.”
The use of automated draw software eliminates human bias and guarantees compliance with competition regulations, ensuring a transparent and structured draw process.
ACL Two Knockout Stage Schedule: Key Dates Ahead
The AFC has also confirmed the full schedule for the knockout rounds of ACL Two 2025/26, giving clubs a clear timeline for preparation and squad management.
Round of 16
- First leg: 11–12 February 2026
- Second leg: 18–19 February 2026
- Format: Home and away
Quarter-finals
- Scheduled for March 2026, with two-legged fixtures played in early and mid-month.
Semi-finals
- To be held in April 2026, continuing the home-and-away format.
Final
- The ACL Two final is scheduled for 16 May 2026, marking the culmination of the competition.
If Persib Bandung advance beyond the Round of 16, fixture congestion and squad rotation will become increasingly important, particularly alongside domestic league commitments.
Strategic Implications for Persib Bandung
Entering the knockout phase as a Pot 1 team reflects Persib Bandung’s growing stature in Asian competition. It also places heightened expectations on the club to capitalize on this favorable seeding.
Key factors that will influence Persib’s campaign include:
- Tactical adaptability against varied Asian opponents
- Squad depth to manage two-legged ties
- Mental resilience in away fixtures
- Effective use of home advantage in Bandung
Success in the Round of 16 would not only strengthen Persib’s continental reputation but also contribute positively to Indonesian football’s standing in AFC competitions.
Conclusion
Persib Bandung’s inclusion in Pot 1 for the ACL Two 2025/26 Round of 16 draw is a milestone achievement, earned through strong group-stage performances and consistent results. While the seeding offers a strategic advantage, the knockout phase presents a demanding challenge against diverse and capable opponents.
As the draw approaches in Kuala Lumpur, attention will turn to which opponent awaits and how Persib can navigate the complex road toward the latter stages of Asian competition. For Maung Bandung, the opportunity is clear—but execution on the pitch will ultimately define their continental journey.
