Which team will they face? Summary of the conditions for the 2 "Buriram opponents" in the ACL Elite Round of 16.
On 18 Feb 2026 GMT+7, here is a summary of the two scenarios for Buriram United’s opponent, the sole representative from Thai League 1, in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26 Round of 16, after they officially secured qualification.
Buriram United, known as the "Thunder Castle," hosted and beat Shanghai Shenhua from China 2-0 in the 8th league stage match, resulting in the latest standings in the Eastern Zone as follows:
1. Machida Zelvia 17 points *qualified
2. Vissel Kobe 16 points *qualified
3. Sanfrecce Hiroshima 15 points *qualified
4. Buriram United 14 points *qualified (goal difference +2)
5. Melbourne City 13 points *qualified (goal difference +2)
6. Johor Darul Ta'zim 11 points *qualified
7. FC Seoul 10 points
8. Gangwon FC 8 points
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9. Ulsan Hyundai 8 points
10. Chengdu Rongcheng 6 points *eliminated
11. Shanghai Shenhua 4 points *eliminated
12. Shanghai Port 3 points *eliminated
Two matches remain in the Eastern Zone league stage, matchday 8, as follows:
Wednesday, 18 Feb 2026 GMT+7
Shanghai Port (China) vs Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea)
Melbourne City (Australia) vs Gangwon FC (South Korea)
Since Melbourne City previously defeated Buriram United 2-1 in the league stage, Buriram is behind on head-to-head results. Therefore, there are two scenarios for Buriram’s opponent in the next round:
- If Melbourne City draws, they finish 4th (14 points, goal difference +2, but better head-to-head), and Buriram finishes 5th.
- If Melbourne City loses, they finish 5th, and Buriram finishes 4th.
- In the Round of 16, 4th place faces 5th place within the Eastern Zone.
- Thus, if Melbourne City does not win, Buriram United will face Melbourne City.
- Melbourne City will have 16 or more points, finishing 3rd.
- Sanfrecce Hiroshima will drop to 4th place, and Buriram United to 5th.
- Therefore, if Melbourne City wins, Buriram United will face Sanfrecce Hiroshima.