Doha: Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad qualified for the league stage of the AFC Champions League Elite after defeating hosts Al Jazira of the UAE 4-1 today in the preliminary round of the 2026-27 competition. Dutchman Steven Bergwijn scored twice for Al Ittihad in the 12th and 38th minutes, while Algeria's Houssem Aouar added a third in the 54th minute and Marwan Al Sahafi scored in the 69th. Congolese player Simon Banza scored Al Jazira's goal in the 80th minute.

According to Qatar News Agency, the result secured Al-Ittihad, champions in 2004 and 2005, their 14th appearance in the continental competition, while Al Jazira, who have previously made nine appearances, will miss the tournament for a fifth consecutive edition.

In another match in the same round, Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor advanced to the league stage after defeating visiting Jordanian side Al Hussein Irbid 3-0 in Tashkent. Dostonbek Khamdamov scored twice for the Uzbek club, in the seventh and 30th minutes, while Iraq's Bashar Resan added the third in the 52nd minute.

The victory secured Pakhtakor a place in this season's competition, while the Jordanian club will move into the AFC Champions League Two.