In the opening round of the 2026 Turkmenistan Higher League, FC Arkadag secured a dominant 7-1 victory over Mary’s Merv. The match, held in Ashgabat, marked a successful debut for newly appointed head coach Rahmanguly Baylyev. The defending champions displayed a high level of efficiency, effectively controlling the pace of the game from the initial whistle.

The goals for the home side were scored by Rahman Muratberdiyev (21'), Resul Hojayev (25', 72'), Ilyas Charyyev (40'), Yhlas Toyjanov (52'), Bayram Atayev (58'), and Didar Durdyyev (63'). Merv’s solitary goal was provided by Abdyresul Abdyyev in the 78th minute. Following their third consecutive title win last season, Arkadag continues to demonstrate its strength at the top of the domestic league standings.

Looking ahead to the second round, Arkadag is set to face Ahal at home on April 12. Meanwhile, Merv will look to recover from this opening defeat as they host Nebitchi in Mary on April 11. The early results suggest a highly competitive season ahead for the nation's elite football clubs.