The draw for the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 has officially placed Công an Hà Nội (CAHN) in a challenging group, where they will face several top-tier teams from Japan, China, and Malaysia. This event took place on August 18, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

As the sole representative of Vietnamese football in this prestigious continental tournament, CAHN has been seeded in the fourth group of the East Asia region. The club, under the guidance of coach Alexandre Polking, will face an arduous journey ahead, competing against renowned teams such as Kashima Antlers, Shanghai Port, Vissel Kobe, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Beijing FC, Kashiwa Reysol, Kyoto Sanga, and Gamba Osaka.

In this group, CAHN will host matches against Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Beijing FC, and Kyoto Sanga, while their away games will be against Shanghai Port, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Kashiwa Reysol, and Gamba Osaka. Notably, CAHN must contend with five Japanese clubs, all of which possess superior technical skills, athleticism, and international experience. Kashima Antlers, a past Asian champion, and Gamba Osaka, the reigning AFC Champions League Two titleholder, are among the toughest competitors.

Additionally, both Shanghai Port and Beijing FC from China present significant challenges, boasting strong squads and financial backing. Johor Darul Ta’zim has dominated Malaysian football for years and regularly competes in high-level AFC tournaments.

The format of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 deviates from traditional group stages, with each team in the East Asia region playing eight matches against different opponents—four at home and four away. The overall results will be compiled into a single ranking to determine which clubs advance.

This presents a substantial challenge for CAHN, but it also offers an opportunity for players like Quang Hải and his teammates to make history. CAHN secured their place in the group stage following a convincing 2-0 victory over Adelaide United in the qualifiers. Goals from Hoàng Hên and Koko helped the team achieve this historic milestone.

Despite the daunting schedule ahead, this tournament will provide CAHN with invaluable experience against some of Asia's best clubs. The home matches, especially against Kashima Antlers and Vissel Kobe, are expected to be grand events for Vietnamese football fans.