CAHN could face the most 'thorny' journey in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Hanoi Police FC could face a very heavy fixture list in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite if they fall into an adverse scenario, featuring elite teams from Japan and South Korea in the preliminary round.

After a 2-0 victory over Adelaide United in Australia, CAHN officially secured their place in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) playoff round. However, the Vietnamese representative is predicted to face a difficult journey ahead.

With their position in Pot 4, CAHN may have to take on highly traditional clubs with superior squad quality. In the worst-case scenario, coach Alexandre Polking’s side could successively meet top continental representatives.

Pot 1: Kashima Antlers is the "highest mountain".

In Pot 1, Kashima Antlers (Japan) and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) are the two most daunting names.

Kashima boasts a rich Japanese football heritage, while Jeonbuk has repeatedly competed and triumphed in Asia's top club competition. Their match control, physical foundation, and international experience could pose a massive challenge for CAHN.

Buriram United (Thailand) and Shanghai Port (China) are seen as more comfortable options, but they are still opponents CAHN cannot underestimate.

Pot 2: Vissel Kobe and Johor Darul Ta'zim make CAHN wary.

If you want to find anightmare for CAHN, it is exactly Vissel Kobe (Japan). The Cowspossess a modern playing style, excellent pressing ability, and strong spatial control. This could be an extremely heavy test for CAHN's ball distribution capability.

Johor Darul Ta'zim is a dominant force in Malaysian football. With huge financial resources and no hesitation in investing in personnel,The Southern Tigersare certainly not an easy opponent for the police force team.

Pot 3: Kashiwa Reysol is truly frightening.

Kashiwa Reysol (Japan) is also a very formidable challenge whenThe Sun Kings possess a solid technical foundation and good ball control. Their competitive spirit and organizational ability make Kashiwa a draw that CAHN must be especially cautious of.

Besides, Beijing Guoan could be the most approachable opponent for CAHN. The fact that the two teams faced each other in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two last season gives some familiarity advantage to the police force team.

Pot 4: Still two Japanese representatives.

Pot 4 itself cannot be ignored. CAHN will definitely have to face Japanese clubs Kyoto Sanga and Gamba Osaka. According to the draw rules, CAHN cannot face themselves, and the grouping mechanism does not allow them to meet Ratchaburi (Thailand).

However, Gamba is rated somewhat higher as they are the defending champions of the AFC Champions League Two. For Kyoto, this season is the first time Sangaappears in the ACLE.

A "thorny" journey awaits CAHN.

If we consider the most fearsome opponents in each pot, a scenario extremely difficult could force CAHN to face:

• Pot 1: Kashima Antlers, Shanghai Port.
• Pot 2: Vissel Kobe, Johor Darul Ta'zim.
• Pot 3: Beijing Guoan, Kashiwa Reysoul.
• Pot 4: Gamba Osaka, Kyoto Sanga.