The Asian Football Confederation has officially revealed a major transformation in Asian football, announcing that the AFC Champions League will expand from 24 to 32 teams. This bold step is being described as a “landmark expansion” aimed at opening more doors for clubs across the continent and raising the overall level of competition.
According to the AFC, the expansion will come into effect from the 2026–27 season, pending final approval from its executive committee. The decision reflects a clear vision—to promote inclusivity while maintaining excellence in Asia’s most prestigious club tournament.
Currently, the competition is divided into two main regions: East and West. These groups compete separately during the initial stages before advancing to the knockout rounds. While this structure will remain largely unchanged, the number of participating teams in each region will increase significantly—from 12 to 16 teams per group.
With this expansion, more clubs will get the chance to shine on the continental stage. The top six teams from each group will automatically qualify for the round of 16. Meanwhile, teams finishing in positions seven to ten will enter a newly introduced playoff stage, adding another layer of excitement and opportunity to the tournament.
Since the 2024/25 season, the competition has been rebranded as the AFC Champions League Elite, reflecting its growing stature and ambition.
Looking ahead, fans can expect thrilling action as the tournament continues to evolve. The upcoming knockout matches for the 2025/26 season are set to take place in Jeddah, further highlighting the region’s increasing role in hosting major football events.
