The return game between Al-Ittihad and Al-Wahda, valid for the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite, has been postponed. The match was scheduled for this Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 3:15 pm local time at Jeddah, at Alinma Stadium, at Arábia Saudita. The decision came from Confederação Asiática of Futebol (AFC) due to the security situation in Oriente Médio, worsened by recent regional conflicts, including attacks and retaliations that have affected stability in the area.
The first match, which was to take place at Abu Dhabi on March 3, was also postponed for the same reason. The AFC prioritized the safety of players, coaching staff, referees and fans by suspending clashes in the tournament’s western region. Outros round of 16 games in Oriente Médio, such as Al Sadd x Al Hilal and Shabab Al Ahli x Tractor, suffered the same postponement. The entity reported that it is monitoring the situation and will reschedule the matches as soon as safe conditions exist, with no date set yet.
Reason for postponement
The suspension occurred in response to escalating tensions in the Oriente Médio, with direct impacts on travel and sporting event operations. The AFC issued an official statement highlighting the need to guarantee the integrity of everyone involved. Jogos of the eastern region of the continent proceed normally, without interference.
The measure affects the knockout phase of the continental competition, which brings together high-level clubs from Ásia. AFC Champions League Elite maintains a round-trip format in the round of 16, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.
Clash details
The duel pits Al-Ittihad, from Arábia Saudita, against Al-Wahda, from Emirados Árabes Unidos. The Saudi team advanced with a solid campaign in the group stage, while Al-Wahda secured a place among the best placed. The aggregate is zero, as none of the matches took place.
The Alinma Stadium stadium, in Jeddah, would be the stage for the return. The venue’s capacity allows for a large audience, and tickets were already on sale before the postponement.
Where to watch live
The broadcast of the match, when rescheduled, must take place via official AFC channels and partner platforms on Ásia and Oriente Médio. No Brasil, options include streaming services with rights to the continental competition, such as platforms specializing in Asian football. Acompanhe updates on the official AFC and club websites for confirmed times and channels following the rescheduling.
Probable lineup and recent context
Al-Ittihad has a cast reinforced by names like Fabinho, Youssef En-Nesyri, Houssem Aouar, Moussa Diaby and Steven Bergwijn. The team comes from recent games at Saudi Pro League, with typical formation including Predrag Rajkovic in goal and Danilo Pereira in defense. The coach maintains strong offensive options for the Asian tournament.
Al-Wahda has experienced players and is looking to surprise in the round. The Emirati team has defensive balance and quick transitions. Ambas formations must be preserved when the game is played, with a focus on maintaining a competitive pace.
Confrontation history
The teams faced each other in recent matches in the group stage of the same edition of AFC Champions League Elite. Al-Wahda won one of the duels 2-1, while the other ended in victory for Al-Ittihad. The recent retrospective shows balance, with tight results and few goals difference.
In each team’s last five games in official competitions before the postponement, Al-Ittihad alternated wins and draws in the local and continental league. The Al-Wahda presented a similar performance, with a sequence of positive results in the UAE Pro League.
Arbitration and weather forecasting
The arbitration would be defined by the AFC close to the original date, with a neutral team to ensure impartiality. With the postponement, a new designation will occur upon rescheduling.
The weather forecast in Jeddah for the original date indicated typical conditions for the period, with high temperatures during the day and clear skies. The afternoon schedule would minimize extreme weather impacts on athletes’ performance.
