Indian football is on the brink of a new era. For the first time in history, two Indian clubs Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa will compete simultaneously in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two), Asia’s restructured second-tier continental club competition.
This landmark achievement signals the sport’s growing maturity in India and highlights the ambitions of clubs determined to make their mark beyond domestic boundaries. The AFC Champions League Two, rebranded from the AFC Cup in 2024-25, sits just below the AFC Champions League Elite and above the AFC Challenge League in the Asian Football Confederation’s new three-tier structure. This overhaul was designed to raise competitiveness, increase financial rewards, and provide more clubs from emerging football nations with a meaningful platform to prove themselves.
India currently holds the 10th spot in the AFC West Region rankings, granting it one direct group stage slot and one preliminary playoff slot in ACL Two. Mohun Bagan secured the direct entry; FC Goa fought through a playoff to join them.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant: From Shield Glory to Continental Challenge
Mohun Bagan booked their group stage place by winning the 2023-24 Indian Super League Shield, topping the table with a decisive final-day 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC. This triumph came after a challenging mid-season slump, overcome through a timely managerial change and tactical turnaround.
For 2025-26, they’ll be led by José Francisco Molina, with a squad blending Indian stalwarts like Vishal Kaith and Anirudh Thapa with impactful foreign talents including Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings, and Jamie Maclaren. Their recent brief appearance in the 2024-25 ACL Two was cut short due to a politically sensitive travel refusal an episode they’ll be eager to move past with a sustained and competitive campaign.
FC Goa: Playoff Triumph and a Return to Asia
FC Goa’s route was tougher, coming through the Super Cup and then overcoming Omani champions Al-Seeb winners of the AFC Cup in 2022 in a tense one-off playoff. Goals from Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio secured a 2-1 win in front of a passionate home crowd in Goa. Head coach Manolo Marquez has rebuilt his squad with targeted foreign signings, aiming for immediate impact at the continental level. His emphasis on leveraging home advantage and fan support paid off in the playoff and will be a critical factor in the group stage.
Why This Matters for Indian Football
- Increased Visibility – Competing regularly against high-calibre Asian opponents will expose Indian clubs and players to new tactical, technical, and physical demands.
- Financial Incentives – The 2025-26 ACL Two boasts $16.6 million in total prize money, a significant boost for clubs investing in facilities, youth academies, and top-tier talent.
- Improved AFC Rankings – Strong performances can elevate India’s club competition ranking, potentially earning more slots in both ACL Two and the top-tier ACL Elite.
- National Team Benefits – Players gaining experience at this level return sharper, more tactically astute, and mentally resilient—qualities that strengthen the national squad.
While the dual qualification is a landmark, Indian clubs still face structural issues uncertain domestic scheduling, financial instability, and the logistical challenges of long-distance travel in Asia. Moreover, consistent success will require deeper investment in grassroots development and sustained professional management at club level.
Both Mohun Bagan and FC Goa enter the 2025-26 ACL Two with ambitions that go beyond participation. Progressing to the knockout stages would not only raise India’s continental profile but also validate years of incremental progress in domestic football since the launch of the ISL. This moment two clubs from India sharing the continental stage in ACL Two is more than a statistical milestone. It is a declaration of intent that Indian football is ready to grow, compete, and one day challenge the very best in Asia.
