AFC Champions League to Grow to 32 Teams by 2026/27
Synopsis
Exciting changes are on the horizon for the AFC Champions League, as it prepares to expand to 32 teams starting in the 2026/27 season, offering more chances for clubs to compete at the highest level across Asia.
Key Takeaways
Expansion to 32 teams will enhance competition.
Equal distribution: 16 teams in East and West Regions.
Top six teams from each region go directly to the Round of 16 .
New knockout stage playoff for teams ranking seventh to tenth.
Awaiting ratification from AFC Executive Committee .
Kuala Lumpur, April 13 (NationPress) The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions committee has put forth a proposal to expand the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) from 24 to 32 clubs.
With this new framework, the tournament will maintain an even split, featuring 16 teams in both the East and West Regions.
The AFC stated, "This enlargement aims to offer more chances for top clubs to showcase their skills against the continent's elite while also encouraging improved levels of professionalism and performance in domestic leagues throughout Asia."
After the league phase, the teams ranked from first to sixth in each region will gain direct entry into the Round of 16. Those finishing seventh to tenth won't face elimination; instead, they will advance to a newly created knockout stage playoff.
The AFC further explained that the criteria for progression post-League Stage—set to begin after the 2026/27 season—will also be updated to elevate the stakes in the initial round.
Currently, the competition sees 24 teams split into two regions, each comprising 12 teams. Based on their rankings, each club competes in eight matches during the group stage, with the top eight teams from each region qualifying for the Round of 16.
To acknowledge outstanding league performance, the higher-seeded teams in each matchup—specifically, the seventh and eighth-ranked teams—will keep the home-field advantage. The victors of these playoff matches will then secure the last spots in the Round of 16, ensuring that every position is significant until the very end of the league.
The AFC clarified that "due to the current congested global competition calendar, the Knockout Stage Playoff will not be rolled out for the 2026/27 season; it is tentatively planned for future seasons."
However, these decisions are still pending and must be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee before they can take effect.
Point of View
I see this expansion as a significant step forward for Asian football, enhancing competition and providing aspiring clubs with the chance to rise to prominence on a larger stage. This move should foster not only better performances but also a more engaging spectacle for fans across the continent.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for expanding the AFC Champions League?
The expansion aims to provide more opportunities for elite clubs to compete and to encourage higher standards of professionalism and performance in domestic leagues across Asia.
How will the new format work?
The competition will feature 32 teams divided into East and West Regions, with 16 teams in each. The top six from each region will qualify directly for the Round of 16, while teams ranked seventh to tenth will enter a knockout playoff.
When will this new format be implemented?
The new format is set to be implemented after the 2026/27 season.
Will there be a knockout stage playoff?
Yes, a knockout stage playoff is planned, but it will not be implemented in the 2026/27 season due to the current congested global competition calendar.
Who needs to approve these changes?
The proposed changes need to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee before they take effect.
