Al Nassr vs Al Wasl postponed: AFC calls off Riyadh Champions League match

Al Nassr vs Al Wasl, the AFC Champions League Elite match due in Riyadh on Monday 26 October 2026, has been postponed, the Asian Football Confederation said on Sunday, Reuters reported via Business Recorder.

The AFC gave no reason and announced no new date.

Why the match was called off

• Saudi media reported that Al Wasl's delegation had not arrived in Riyadh before the postponement.
• Fighting between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen has intensified, and the Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi airports, including Riyadh's. Missile debris fell in the Makkah region this week (our report).
• Saudi clubs have been travelling by road to recent Champions League Elite away games; Al Hilal went to Qatar by bus to face Al Sadd.
• Several Saudi Pro League matches have also been postponed this month for logistical reasons.

What happens next

The AFC will have to find a new date in an already crowded calendar. Until then, the result of the group stage game stays open for both the Saudi side and the Dubai club. Al Nassr's league games have also been hit: a Houthi missile alert delayed one of their matches earlier this month (our report).

For fans in Pakistan

Saudi and UAE football draws a large following among the millions of Pakistanis working in the Gulf. Riyadh is two hours behind Pakistan, so an evening kick-off there is late night in PKT. For travel and safety updates on Saudi airports, see our world news desk.