Baghdad: The AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2025/26 is gearing up for an exciting return as the Knockout Stage is set to commence on February 10. Sixteen clubs are poised to continue their quest for glory in two-legged showdowns, with the draw determining the pairings and the path to the Final having taken place in December. According to Emirates News Agency, nine teams are making their debut in the ACL Two campaigns, including Al Nassr Club, Al Wasl FC, Al Ahli SC, Esteghlal FC, FC Arkadag, Gamba Osaka, FC Pohang Steelers, Ratchaburi FC, and Cong An Ha Noi FC. Notably, Cong An Ha Noi FC is also making their first appearance on the continental stage. With no former winners among the other seven clubs in the Round of 16, the 21st edition of ACL Two is guaranteed to see a new champion crowned. Iraq's Al Zawraa SC secured their fourth knockout berth in six appearances by finishing second in Group D. The 2017 Zonal semi-finalists and 2024/25 league runners-up will host UAE's Al Wasl FC at the Al Zawraa Stad ium in Baghdad, with a kickoff scheduled for 7:00 pm. Al Wasl, who finished fourth in their league last season, have reached the Knockout Stage for the third time in AFC history, marking their first appearance since the Quarter-finals of the 1994/95 Asian Club Championship. Al Zawraa holds a superior head-to-head record, having won both group meetings during the 2019 AFC Champions League. Iran's Esteghlal FC, making their eighth knockout appearance in AFC competition, qualified as Group A runners-up and will face Jordan's 2024/25 league champions Al Hussein at 5:45 pm at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai. Turkmenistan's FC Arkadag, fresh from winning the AFC Challenge League in their Continental debut last season, are seeking further accolades. As Group B runners-up, they will host Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club at the Ashgabat Olympic Stadium at 6:45 pm. Al Nassr topped Group D with maximum points to secure their sixth AFC knockout appearance. In Thailand, Ratchaburi FC finished second in Group F, earning the ir first knockout appearance in AFC competition during only their second Continental campaign after the 2021 AFC Champions League. Their match against Indonesia's Persib Bandung will take place at Ratchaburi Stadium at 7:15 pm. Persib Bandung is marking their third ACL Two campaign with a second knockout qualification after winning Group G. Another ASEAN clash unfolds at 7:15 pm at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi, where Vietnam's 2024/25 cup holders Cong An Ha Noi FC, the Group E runners-up, will face Tampines Rovers FC. The Singaporean league runners-up for 2024/25, with 14 ACL Two participations, secured their sixth knockout berth by winning Group H and aim for a breakthrough, having been halted at the last eight on four previous occasions. FC Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic, who finished second in Group H, will host Japan's Gamba Osaka at the Steelyard in Pohang at 7:00 pm. Pohang Steelers, the 2024 Korea Republic cup champions, are making their sixth knockout showing in AFC competition, while Gamba Osaka, G roup F winners, are returning to the knockout stage for the first time since their 2015 AFC Champions League semi-final appearance. Bangkok United will make a knockout appearance for the second consecutive edition at Pathum Thani Stadium at 7:15 pm. The Thai club, runners-up in their league for 2024/25, qualified as Group G runners-up and aim to progress further by overcoming Group E winners Macarthur FC. The Australian cup winners for a second time in 2024/25 reached the Zonal Final in their 2023/24 Continental debut. The return legs for the ACL Two Round of 16 are scheduled from February 17 to 19, with the eight winners moving on to the Quarter-finals from March 3 to 12. The Semi-finals are set for April 7 to 15, culminating in the Final on May 16.