The third round-robin stage of the 2026 Turkmenistan Football Championship among top league clubs kicks off today with the Matchday 15 encounter between “Arkadag” and “Merv” at the Nisa Stadium in the capital. The final half of the tournament promises to be decisive in the race for both the championship title and the prize-winning places.

The reigning national champions “Arkadag” enter the new stage of the championship as the undisputed leaders. With 42 points, they continue to confidently top the standings. Vladimir Bayramov’s side has displayed consistent form and has made virtually no mistakes, maintaining a comfortable lead of 12 and 13 points over their closest pursuers, “Ahal” and “Altyn Asyr.”

In the previous, 14th round, “Arkadag” confidently defeated the capital’s “Kopetdag” 3-0 on home soil. Meylis Diniyev opened the scoring in the first minute of first-half stoppage time, while after the break Abdy Byashimov (61st minute) and Resul Hojayev, who converted a penalty in the 85th minute, extended the hosts’ advantage. The victory allowed the league leaders to maintain a high pace in the race for another championship title.

One of the most entertaining matches of the round was the clash between “Ahal” and “Ashgabat,” which ended in a 4-3 victory for “Ahal.” Fans witnessed seven goals and an intense battle until the final minutes. The hero of the match was Yakupmuhammet Govshudov, who scored twice in the 8th and 74th minutes. Ruslan Priyev (15th) and Byashim Gurbanberdiyev (68th) also found the net. For the losing side, Merdan Mukhadov scored twice (from a penalty in the 13th minute and again in the 73rd), while Shykhdurdy Amandurdyyev added another goal in the 42nd minute. Thanks to this victory, Eziz Annamukhammedov’s team retained second place in the standings.

“Altyn Asyr” also remains in contention for the leading positions after defeating Balkanabat’s “Nebitchi” 4-2 at the Sport Toplumy ground in the Buzmeyin etrap of the capital. Rovshengeldi Halmammedov scored twice for the winners in the 9th and 54th minutes, while Myrat Annayev (22nd) and Begmyrat Bayev (57th) each added a goal. Despite conceding twice late in the game through Hydyr Agoyliyev (79th) and Abdymukhammet Begjanov (89th), the capital side confidently secured the victory and remained among the leaders.

In Mary, local side “Merv” delighted their fans with a 2-0 victory over Turkmenbashi’s “Shagadam.” Goals from Shokhrat Ovmadov (65th minute) and Mekan Yazmyradov, who converted a penalty in the 76th minute, earned the hosts an important three points. The match was hard-fought and highly competitive, with the referee issuing numerous yellow cards. Both teams finished the game with ten men following the dismissals of “Merv’s” Kemal Annamukhammedov in the 35th minute and “Shagadam’s” Azizbek Bekchanov in the 37th minute after receiving two yellow cards.

The race for the top scorer's title continues to be led by “Arkadag’s” Didar Durdyev, the leading marksman of the previous four national championships. He has scored 12 goals this season, including three from the penalty spot. His teammate Resul Hojayev is second with seven goals, two of them penalties.

The start of the third round promises plenty of intrigue for football fans. In addition to the battle for the championship title, fierce competition is expected in the race for the silver and bronze medals, which secure the right to represent Turkmenistan in Asian Football Confederation club competitions.

Particular attention in the coming days will be focused on “Arkadag,” who are set to host India’s “Goa” on August 12 in the qualifying round of the AFC Champions League Two. For Ahal, who have already secured a place in the group stage of the AFC Challenge League, the domestic league matches are also important for maintaining match fitness ahead of the start of the international season.

The third round-robin stage of the national championship will also be decisive for all top league participants. It is in the upcoming rounds that it will become clear whether “Arkadag” can once again confirm their status as the country's strongest club, or whether their challengers will be able to mount a serious challenge for the championship title.