KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 — Asian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday that the Asian Champions League will expand from 24 to 32 teams, describing the move as a step towards greater inclusivity and competitiveness.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 — Asian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday that the Asian Champions League will expand from 24 to 32 teams, describing the move as a step towards greater inclusivity and competitiveness.
The change will come into effect from next season, pending approval from the AFC executive committee, with the body calling it a “landmark expansion”.
The competition’s format — currently divided into East and West groups before the knockout stage — will largely remain, but from the 2026/27 season, each group will grow from 12 to 16 teams.
Under the revised system, the top six teams from each group will advance directly to the last 16, while teams placed seventh to 10th will enter a newly introduced knockout playoff round.
The tournament has been known as the AFC Champions League Elite since the 2024/25 season.
Meanwhile, the last 16 and quarter-final matches of the 2025/26 edition are being held this week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. — AFP
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KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 — Asian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday that the Asian Champions League will expand from 24 to 32 teams, describing the move as a step towards greater inclusivity and competitiveness.