The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has unveiled plans for a significant structural transformation of Asia’s premier club competition, the AFC Champions League Elite, including an expansion to a 32-team format starting from the 2026/27 season.
The proposal, recommended by the AFC Competitions Committee, aims to strengthen the tournament’s global stature while providing greater opportunities for elite clubs across the continent to compete at the highest level.
At the heart of the reform is the expansion of the League Stage from 24 teams to 32 teams, equally divided between the East and West Regions, with 16 clubs in each zone.
The move is designed to broaden participation while maintaining high competitive standards. By increasing the number of clubs involved, the AFC hopes to encourage domestic leagues across Asia to elevate their professionalism and competitiveness.
The governing body believes the change will also enhance the tournament’s commercial appeal and global visibility while delivering more high-quality matches for fans.
Beyond the 2026/27 season, the AFC is also proposing a revised pathway to the knockout rounds.
Under the new format:
- The top six teams in each region after the League Stage will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
- Teams finishing seventh to tenth will enter a newly introduced Knockout Stage Playoff.
This playoff system will add further drama to the competition, ensuring that more teams remain in contention deep into the League Stage.
The proposed playoff round will reward stronger League Stage performance. Teams finishing seventh and eighth will enjoy home advantage when facing the ninth- and tenth-placed sides.
The winners of these matchups will secure the final two Round of 16 spots in each region.
However, due to the congested global football calendar, the playoff stage will not be implemented in the 2026/27 season, with the AFC planning to introduce it in subsequent editions.
The proposed expansion highlights the AFC’s ambition to position the ACL Elite among the world’s most prestigious club competitions.
By widening access while maintaining competitive intensity, the confederation hopes to create a stronger continental platform that showcases the best clubs from across Asia.
The proposals must still be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee before they officially take effect, but if approved, the reforms will mark one of the most significant evolutions in the history of Asian club football.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
