Newcastle Jets are set to embark on their second journey in the AFC Champions League Elite, facing formidable opponents including renowned A-League figures Kevin Muscat and Nick Montgomery. This marks the Jets' first participation in Asia's premier club competition since 2009, and they will encounter five Japanese teams along with Muscat’s Shanghai Port from China.

Fixture Overview

Having secured their spot in the ACL Elite through their inaugural Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership victory in the 2025/26 season, the Jets now have a complete fixture list following the draw held in Kuala Lumpur. The competition will present a significant challenge for Mark Milligan’s young squad.

Newcastle's home fixtures will include matches against Shanghai Port, Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta’zim, and Japanese teams Kashiwa Reysol and Gamba Osaka. On the road, they will face three trips to Japan, competing against Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, and Kyoto Sanga, as well as a match against Beijing FC in China.

Competition Details

The ACL Elite will feature an expanded format this season, incorporating four additional clubs in both the Western and Eastern zones. The first matchday is scheduled for September 14, with the tournament concluding by early December. Each team will play a total of eight matches, split evenly between home and away games.

Financial Incentives

Newcastle Jets will benefit financially from their participation, receiving a participation fee of $800,000 USD (approximately $1.1 million AUD). Additionally, the Jets will earn $100,000 USD (around $114,000 AUD) for each win during the league stage. Should they advance to the Round of 16, they will receive an extra $200,000 USD, with further financial rewards for reaching the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

As the Jets prepare for this challenging campaign, they are poised to gain invaluable experience on the continental stage.