East Bengal FC faces Al Arabi SC in AFC Champions League 2 qualifier

East Bengal FC, the reigning Indian Super League champions, will face Kuwaiti side Al Arabi SC in a single-leg AFC Champions League 2 preliminary-stage knockout fixture. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium in Kolkata. The winner of this West Region tie will secure a place in the tournament's group stage.

East Bengal enters the match under new leadership following the departure of former coach Oscar Bruzon; the team is now led by Antonio Lopez Habas. The squad faces selection challenges due to injuries and suspensions, including the absence of Spanish defender Nacho Monsalve due to a knee injury and the suspension of Lalchungnunga. Other players, such as Australian midfielder Chris Ikonomidis, remain uncertain for the starting lineup.