The West Asians’ firm hold over the top spot is owed largely to the performance of the Kingdom’s clubs in the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite), with all three clubs—Al Nassr FC, Al Ahli Saudi FC, and Al Hilal SFC—securing berths in the Round of 16 of Asia’s premier men’s club competition.

Their pole position is further bolstered by the stellar performance of Al Taawoun FC in the AFC Champions League Two™ (ACL Two), along with Al Hilal SFC’s AFC Champions League™ titles in 2019 and 2021, and a runners-up finish in 2022.

Meanwhile, Japan, who sit in second place with 102.153 points, saw 2023/24 AFC Champions League™ finalists Yokohama F. Marinos storm into the Round of 16 of the ACL Elite, alongside compatriots Vissel Kobe and Kawasaki Frontale. Japan’s stranglehold in the mid-season rankings is further strengthened by Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s unbeaten march to the ACL Two Quarter-finals and Urawa Red Diamonds’ Continental triumphs in 2017 and 2022.

With 89.990 points, Korea Republic continue to hold on to third place, with Gwangju FC remaining their sole representative in the ACL Elite. However, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors’ presence in the last eight of the ACL Two, complemented by their title-winning performance in 2016, as well as Pohang Steelers’ runner-up finish in the AFC Champions League™ in 2021, was enough for the East Asians to maintain their place in the rankings.

Meanwhile, the Lion City Sailors’ impressive journey to the ACL Two Quarter-finals helped Singapore become the highest climbers in the latest rankings as they jumped five places to 18th.

 

At the same time, Cambodia climbed four places after Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC advanced to the AFC Challenge League™ Quarter-finals, while Paro FC’s qualification for the Group Stage earned Bhutan a four-place rise as well.

 

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