AFC Champions League Elite Set for Major Expansion to 32 Teams from 2026

AFC Champions League Elite Set for Major Expansion to 32 Teams from 2026

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has unveiled plans to significantly expand its flagship club competition, recommending that the AFC Champions League Elite grow from 24 to 32 teams starting in the 2026–27 season.

The proposed revamp aims to elevate competitiveness and broaden representation across Asian football, with the tournament split evenly into East and West regions, each featuring 16 clubs.

New Format to Increase Competition

As part of the overhaul, the AFC has also outlined changes to the progression system following the league phase—designed to raise the intensity and stakes from the outset.

Under the new structure:

• The top six teams from each region will automatically qualify for the round of 16.
• Teams finishing seventh to tenth will remain in contention, entering a newly proposed knockout playoff round.
• Sides placed seventh and eighth will benefit from home advantage, with winners securing the final spots in the last 16.

Playoff Delay Due to Calendar Constraints

Despite the introduction of this additional playoff round, the AFC confirmed it will not be implemented in the 2026–27 season due to an already congested global football calendar. The playoff system is expected to be introduced in subsequent editions.

Awaiting Final Approval

While the proposal still requires formal approval from the AFC Executive Committee, it is widely anticipated that the changes will be ratified and rolled out as planned.