On 9 February 2026, a media forum titled “Football Club Arkadag – Pride and Future of Turkmen Football” took place in Ashgabat at the International Broadcasting Center of the Olympic Village.
Speakers included representatives from the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), as well as journalists and experts from Turkmenistan, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
The central topic was the development of FC Arkadag and the upcoming Round of 16 match in the AFC Champions League Two against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr.
Founded in 2023 with the support of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the club has already won the Turkmenistan Championship and Cup twice. In 2025, Arkadag claimed the AFC Challenge League title. Under head coach Vladimir Bayramov, the team is performing confidently in the AFC Champions League Two, establishing itself as one of the leaders in Central Asian football.
Foreign journalists highlighted that the club’s achievements are a direct result of state support for professional sports in Turkmenistan. Participation in the AFC Champions League Two was described as a strong incentive for further progress.
Special attention was given to the upcoming tie against Saudi club Al-Nassr. The first leg is scheduled for 11 February in Ashgabat at the 45,000-capacity Olympic Stadium, kicking off at 18:45 local time. The return leg will take place on 18 February in Riyadh at 21:15.
Experts view the matchup as a major global event. Ashgabat anticipates world-class stars such as Sadio Mané, João Félix, Kingsley Coman, and Marcelo Brozović, with the team led by coach Jorge Jesus.
The game will be broadcast to viewers in 168 countries worldwide. Broadcasting rights have been acquired by 39 media outlets. Coverage at the stadium will use 14 cameras, supported by over 220 qualified specialists.
Two modern mobile satellite communication stations, oriented toward the Türkmen Älemi and Eutelsat satellites, will ensure uninterrupted signal transmission.
Professional commentary in Turkmen and English will be provided from three specially equipped booths at the Olympic Stadium.///nCa, 10 February 2026