AFC Champions League Elite
With the action to kick off on Monday, the-AFC.com takes you through the key things you need to know about the expanded version.
#ACLElite | Final : Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 1-0 FC Machida Zelvia (JPN)
From 24 to 32
The number of participating clubs has been increased from the 24 teams in the first two editions of the Elite format to 32 this season with four additional sides competing in the East and West zones respectively.
Eyeing a three-peat
Since its inception in its various forms, six clubs have lifted the trophy in back-to-back seasons but none have ever won it three times in a row, a piece of history that Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC will be looking to create after winning the last two editions.
Debutants
Five teams will make their debuts - Qatar’s Al Shamal SC, Kyoto Sanga FC of Japan, Thailand’s Ratchaburi FC, Saudi Arabia’s Al Qadsiah Club and Cong An Ha Noi FC of Vietnam - with the former two making their first ever appearance on the continental stage.
Stars galore
Just like previous editions, the 2026/27 season will see a collection of stars vying to be the best as Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr Club) is joined in the competition by new recruits like Gabriel Martinelli (Al Hilal SFC), Julian Quinones (Al Qadsiah) and Mehdi Taremi (Al Wasl FC).
Five-strong
In this revamped format, Saudi Arabia are represented by Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Qadsiah, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad Club while Japan have Kashima Antlers, Kashiwa Reysol, Gamba Osaka, Vissel Kobe and Kyoto Sanga - the two nations with the most teams in the competition this season.
Return of Daejeon
Of the teams participating in this season’s competition, Daejeon Hanacitizen FC are the team who are returning after the longest absence with the Korea Republic side’s only one other continental appearance coming in the 2002/03 season.
Backed by history
Including Al Ahli, there are seven other teams in the League Stage this season that have the experience of going all the way - Qatar’s Al Sadd SC, Esteghlal FC of IR Iran, Korea Republic’s FC Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, Al Hilal, UAE’s Al Ain FC, Gamba Osaka and Al Ittihad.
Best eight
For the league stage, the target for the teams remains the same - aim to finish in the top eight in their respective zones to achieve qualification to the Round of 16.
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