Saudi Arabia will remain the home of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals for the next three editions after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee officially confirmed the Kingdom’s provisional hosting rights have now been made permanent.
The decision ensures Saudi Arabia will continue staging the centralised quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of Asia’s premier club competition, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in continental football.
Saudi Arabia has successfully hosted the first two editions of the revamped AFC Champions League Elite Finals since the competition was restructured ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Both tournaments were held in Jeddah, where home side Al Ahli Saudi FC capitalised on home advantage to lift consecutive continental crowns.
The Saudi giants defeated Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale to win the inaugural AFC Champions League Elite title in 2025 before successfully defending their crown against another Japanese club, Machida Zelvia, in May 2026.
The AFC’s latest decision reflects confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to deliver world-class football events, backed by modern infrastructure, strong organisation and growing international interest.
The upcoming AFC Champions League Elite campaign will also introduce a significant expansion, with the league phase increasing from 24 clubs to 32 teams.
The enlarged format is expected to provide more opportunities for Asia’s strongest domestic champions while increasing the number of high-profile fixtures across the continent.
The revised competition schedule includes:
- Qualifying Round: August 11
- League Phase Draw: August 18 in Kuala Lumpur
- League Phase Kick-off: September 14
The confirmation further cements Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading football destinations.
In recent years, the Kingdom has invested heavily in club football, major international tournaments and sporting infrastructure, while also preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
With the AFC Champions League Elite Finals remaining in Saudi Arabia through 2029, the nation will continue to showcase Asia’s biggest club competition on one of the continent’s largest football stages.
For clubs across Asia, the expanded tournament and long-term hosting stability promise an even bigger and more competitive race for continental glory in the years ahead.
Credit Photo : AFC
