Pohang Steelers learn of their ACL Two Round of 16 opponents, potential route to final

Pohang Steelers on Tuesday 30th December learned of their AFC Champions League Two Round of 16, and with it, their potential route to the final with the bracket now set.

The three-time champions of Asia have been drawn against J.League side Gamba Osaka, with the first leg set to take place at the Steel Yard on either the 11th or 12th of February 2026, and the second leg a week later at Gamba's Panasonic Stadium Suita.

Gamba made it into ACL Two having finished fourth in J1 League in 2024, but have reached the knockouts following a perfect record in Group F of six wins from six with 16 goals scored and two conceded.

With the bracket now set, Pohang know of their potential route to the final. The winners of the Round of 16 clash will face either Ratchaburi FC of Thailand or Persib of Indonesia in the quarter finals.

The semis would then bring in the other half of the draw in the East, one of Bangkok United of Thailand or Macarthur FC of Australia, and Công An Hà Nội of Vietnam or Tampines Rovers of Singapore.

The quarters are scheduled to take place on the 4th or 5th of March for the first leg and 11th or 12th for the second, with the semis slated for early to mid-April.

The final is set for May 16th against the winners of the semifinal on the West side of the competition.