AFC Champions League Elite
Fans can expect even more top quality matches as the teams look to lift the most coveted trophy in Asian club football. The-AFC.com highlights several interesting facts and figures about the League Stage Draw.
Tougher challenge
The third edition of the revamped tournament has been expanded to 32 teams, eight more than the previous edition with the East and West Zones being allocated an additional four spots each.
Japan, Saudi Arabia lead the way
Both countries will be represented by five teams each after Al Ittihad Club and Gamba Osaka - both former Asian champions - advanced from their respective Preliminary Stage ties.
Eyes on Al Ahli
Two-time defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC will be seeking to create history by becoming the first team to lift the trophy for a third consecutive time. Leading their challenge will be Bosnian Marino Pusic, who has replaced Matthias Jaissle as head coach following the German's departure to English Premier League side Newcastle United.
Champions galore
Aiming to deny Al Ahli their hat-trick will be a strong cast that includes eight other former winners: Al Ain FC (UAE), Al Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia), Al Ittihad Club (Saudi Arabia), Al Sadd SC (Qatar), Gamba Osaka (Japan), Kashima Antlers (Japan), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (Korea Republic) and FC Pohang Steelers (Korea Republic).
Eager to impress
Qatar's Al Shamal SC and Kyoto Sanga FC of Japan will be making their continental debuts while Saudi Arabia's Al Qadsiah Club and Cong An Ha Noi FC of Vietnam will be featuring in the top tier of Asian club competition for the first time.
Kick-off
The League Stage kicks off on September 14 and concludes on February 17. The two-leg Round of 16 is scheduled to be played in March.
#ACLElite | Final : Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 1-0 FC Machida Zelvia (JPN)
Finals
The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 Finals are scheduled to be hosted by Saudi Arabia on April 23 to May 1.
World challenge
The champions will book a spot in the 2027 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Playoff, which is the opening match of the 2027 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
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