AFC Champions League Elite
The third edition of the revamped continental showpiece promises more thrills and spills and the-AFC.com takes a deep dive into what can be expected from Asia's premier men's club tournament.
Expanded
The tournament will feature 32 teams in the League Stage - 16 each in the East and West Zones. This is an increase of eight sides, ensuring even more thrilling action for fans.
Preliminary Stage
Eight teams will be vying for four tickets to the League Stage - two each in the East and West Zones.
The tournament will feature 32 teams in the League Stage - 16 each in the East and West Zones. This is an increase of eight sides, ensuring even more thrilling action for fans.
Preliminary Stage
Eight teams will be vying for four tickets to the League Stage - two each in the East and West Zones.
Hat-trick bid
Al Ahli Saudi FC will be aiming to become the first team to win three consecutive titles, having last season become the first club since fellow Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad Club to lift the coveted trophy for two seasons in a row.
Possible 5
Following the tournament's expansion, Japan and Saudi Arabia could have a maximum five teams in the League Stage, with both nations already assured of four spots each. Al Ittihad and Gamba Osaka - both former champions - will be aiming to join their counterparts by triumphing in the Preliminary Stage.
Al Ahli Saudi FC will be aiming to become the first team to win three consecutive titles, having last season become the first club since fellow Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad Club to lift the coveted trophy for two seasons in a row.
Possible 5
Following the tournament's expansion, Japan and Saudi Arabia could have a maximum five teams in the League Stage, with both nations already assured of four spots each. Al Ittihad and Gamba Osaka - both former champions - will be aiming to join their counterparts by triumphing in the Preliminary Stage.
Kashima comeback
Japanese side Kashima Antlers will return to the continental stage for the first time since the 2019 season, having lifted the trophy the previous year.
Debut dream
Vietnam's Cong An Ha Noi FC and Al Hussein of Jordan will create history if they advance from the Preliminary Stage as neither has featured in the League Stage of the continental tournament. Standing in their way are Australia's Adelaide United and Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor, respectively.
Japanese side Kashima Antlers will return to the continental stage for the first time since the 2019 season, having lifted the trophy the previous year.
Debut dream
Vietnam's Cong An Ha Noi FC and Al Hussein of Jordan will create history if they advance from the Preliminary Stage as neither has featured in the League Stage of the continental tournament. Standing in their way are Australia's Adelaide United and Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor, respectively.
Key dates
The much-anticipated League Stage Draw will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 18, 2026, with the action kicking off on September 14. The Finals are scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia on April 23-May 1, 2027.
The much-anticipated League Stage Draw will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 18, 2026, with the action kicking off on September 14. The Finals are scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia on April 23-May 1, 2027.
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