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On February 11, 2026, a unique football match will take place in Ashgabat.
Al-Nasr Football Club will visit Turkmenistan for the first time to face the national champion, FC Arkadag, in the Round of 16 of the second Asian Football Confederation Cup. The game will be held at the Olympic Village stadium.
This match is set to be a major event for football fans in Turkmenistan.
Al-Nassr FC, coached by Cristiano Ronaldo, will play against Arkadag FC, which has established itself as one of the leading clubs in Central Asia. Arkadag FC head coach V. Bayramov.
Founded in 2023, FC Arkadag has already won the national double twice, capturing the league title and two national cups. The club's meteoric rise continued in 2025, when it took first place in the AFC Cup 3, earning promotion to the top division, the AFC Cup 2.
In their debut season at this level, FC Arkadag confidently reached the Round of 32. The club also won its first international trophy in May 2025, defeating Cambodian side Svay Rieng in the AFC Challenge League final.
For Al-Nassr FC, the trip to Ashgabat adds another chapter to their continental campaign. With a roster of international stars and a strong recent record in Asian competitions, the Saudi team will be aiming for a decisive away result.
Football remains the most popular sport in Turkmenistan. The visit of one of Asia's most renowned clubs is seen as a significant milestone for the development of football in the country.
