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Expanded #ACLElite set for League Stage Draw

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Expanded #ACLElite set for League Stage Draw

Kuala Lumpur: The route to ultimate glory in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) 2026/27™ will be charted at the League Stage Draw on August 18 (Tuesday), 4pm at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Taking place for the 24th time in the modern ACL era, this upcoming edition of Asia’s top-tier men’s club competition will feature an expanded cast of 32 sides for the first time since the revamp to its current name in 2024/25 as part of a series of strategic enhancements.

Wissing applauds Al Ittihad’s determination

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

Wissing applauds Al Ittihad’s determination

Abu Dhabi: Al Ittihad Club head coach Jens Wissing praised his players’ commitment after the Saudi Arabian side powered past Al Jazira FSC 4-1 to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Steven Bergwijn struck twice in the first half and Al Ittihad never looked back as second half goals from Houssem Aouar and Marwan Al Sahafi put the game beyond Al Jazira’s reach, with Simon Banza’s late effort proving only a consolation.

Myojin hails Gamba resolve

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

Myojin hails Gamba resolve

Gangneung: Gamba Osaka head coach Tomokazu Myojin hailed his players’ resilience after the Japanese side edged Gangwon FC 1-0 after extra time to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Gaku Nawata struck in the 103rd minute to settle a finely balanced Preliminary Stage encounter in favour of the reigning AFC Champions League Two™ titleholders.

PS: Al Jazira FSC (UAE) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

PS: Al Jazira FSC (UAE) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Abu Dhabi: Al Ittihad Club powered to a 4-1 win against Al Jazira FSC to secure their place in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

Steven Bergwijn starred with a brace, with further goals from Houssem Aouar and Marwan Al Sahafi sealing the win for the Saudi Pro League side. Simon Banza netted a late consolation for UAE’s Al Jazira.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-al-jazira-fsc-uae-v-al-ittihad-club-ksa

PS: Pakhtakor (UZB) 3-0 Al Hussein (JOR)

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

PS: Pakhtakor (UZB) 3-0 Al Hussein (JOR)

Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor cruised into the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ after overpowering Al Hussein of Jordan 3-0 at the Pakhtakor Stadium on Tuesday.

Dostonbek Khamdamov’s brace and a solo effort by Bashar Rasan ensured Pakhtakor will take part for the 20th time in the continental showpiece. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-pakhtakor-uzb-v-al-hussein-jor

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Gangneung: Gamba Osaka secured their place in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday as Gaku Nawata’s extra-time strike earned the J1 League side a 1-0 win over hosts Gangwon FC from Korea Republic.

Nawata scored 13 minutes into extra-time for the reigning AFC Champions League Two™ title-holders after neither side had managed to find a way through during the regulation 90 minutes.

Osaka will join compatriots Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto Sanga in the draw for the league phase, which has been expanded from 24 to 32 teams, in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.

Gangwon were eliminated despite dominating for long periods against a Gamba side that exhibited obvious signs of rustiness in a match that was played after just one week of action in the new J1 League season.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-gangwon-fc-kor-v-gamba-osaka-jpn

PS: Adelaide United (AUS) 0-2 Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

PS: Adelaide United (AUS) 0-2 Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)

Adelaide: Vietnam’s Cong An Ha Noi FC defeated Adelaide United of Australia 2-0 to secure their spot in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Alexandre Polking’s V League 1 champions kept Adelaide quiet throughout with goals from Henen and Koko sealing their place in the draw in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-adelaide-united-aus-v-cong-an-ha-noi-fc-vie-1

#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Sun, 09 Aug, 2026

#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ kicks off with the preliminary stage this coming week.

The third edition of the revamped continental showpiece promises more thrills and spills and the-AFC.com takes a deep dive into what can be expected from Asia's premier men's club tournament.

Videos

Expanded #ACLElite set for League Stage Draw

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Expanded #ACLElite set for League Stage Draw

Kuala Lumpur: The route to ultimate glory in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) 2026/27™ will be charted at the League Stage Draw on August 18 (Tuesday), 4pm at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Taking place for the 24th time in the modern ACL era, this upcoming edition of Asia’s top-tier men’s club competition will feature an expanded cast of 32 sides for the first time since the revamp to its current name in 2024/25 as part of a series of strategic enhancements.

Wissing applauds Al Ittihad’s determination

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

Wissing applauds Al Ittihad’s determination

Abu Dhabi: Al Ittihad Club head coach Jens Wissing praised his players’ commitment after the Saudi Arabian side powered past Al Jazira FSC 4-1 to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Steven Bergwijn struck twice in the first half and Al Ittihad never looked back as second half goals from Houssem Aouar and Marwan Al Sahafi put the game beyond Al Jazira’s reach, with Simon Banza’s late effort proving only a consolation.

Myojin hails Gamba resolve

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

Myojin hails Gamba resolve

Gangneung: Gamba Osaka head coach Tomokazu Myojin hailed his players’ resilience after the Japanese side edged Gangwon FC 1-0 after extra time to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Gaku Nawata struck in the 103rd minute to settle a finely balanced Preliminary Stage encounter in favour of the reigning AFC Champions League Two™ titleholders.

PS: Al Jazira FSC (UAE) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

PS: Al Jazira FSC (UAE) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Abu Dhabi: Al Ittihad Club powered to a 4-1 win against Al Jazira FSC to secure their place in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

Steven Bergwijn starred with a brace, with further goals from Houssem Aouar and Marwan Al Sahafi sealing the win for the Saudi Pro League side. Simon Banza netted a late consolation for UAE’s Al Jazira.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-al-jazira-fsc-uae-v-al-ittihad-club-ksa

PS: Pakhtakor (UZB) 3-0 Al Hussein (JOR)

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

PS: Pakhtakor (UZB) 3-0 Al Hussein (JOR)

Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor cruised into the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ after overpowering Al Hussein of Jordan 3-0 at the Pakhtakor Stadium on Tuesday.

Dostonbek Khamdamov’s brace and a solo effort by Bashar Rasan ensured Pakhtakor will take part for the 20th time in the continental showpiece. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-pakhtakor-uzb-v-al-hussein-jor

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Gangneung: Gamba Osaka secured their place in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday as Gaku Nawata’s extra-time strike earned the J1 League side a 1-0 win over hosts Gangwon FC from Korea Republic.

Nawata scored 13 minutes into extra-time for the reigning AFC Champions League Two™ title-holders after neither side had managed to find a way through during the regulation 90 minutes.

Osaka will join compatriots Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto Sanga in the draw for the league phase, which has been expanded from 24 to 32 teams, in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.

Gangwon were eliminated despite dominating for long periods against a Gamba side that exhibited obvious signs of rustiness in a match that was played after just one week of action in the new J1 League season.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-gangwon-fc-kor-v-gamba-osaka-jpn

PS: Adelaide United (AUS) 0-2 Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

PS: Adelaide United (AUS) 0-2 Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)

Adelaide: Vietnam’s Cong An Ha Noi FC defeated Adelaide United of Australia 2-0 to secure their spot in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Alexandre Polking’s V League 1 champions kept Adelaide quiet throughout with goals from Henen and Koko sealing their place in the draw in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-adelaide-united-aus-v-cong-an-ha-noi-fc-vie-1

#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Sun, 09 Aug, 2026

#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ kicks off with the preliminary stage this coming week.

The third edition of the revamped continental showpiece promises more thrills and spills and the-AFC.com takes a deep dive into what can be expected from Asia's premier men's club tournament.

Photos

Expanded #ACLElite set for League Stage Draw

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Expanded #ACLElite set for League Stage Draw

Kuala Lumpur: The route to ultimate glory in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) 2026/27™ will be charted at the League Stage Draw on August 18 (Tuesday), 4pm at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Taking place for the 24th time in the modern ACL era, this upcoming edition of Asia’s top-tier men’s club competition will feature an expanded cast of 32 sides for the first time since the revamp to its current name in 2024/25 as part of a series of strategic enhancements.

Wissing applauds Al Ittihad’s determination

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

Wissing applauds Al Ittihad’s determination

Abu Dhabi: Al Ittihad Club head coach Jens Wissing praised his players’ commitment after the Saudi Arabian side powered past Al Jazira FSC 4-1 to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Steven Bergwijn struck twice in the first half and Al Ittihad never looked back as second half goals from Houssem Aouar and Marwan Al Sahafi put the game beyond Al Jazira’s reach, with Simon Banza’s late effort proving only a consolation.

Myojin hails Gamba resolve

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

Myojin hails Gamba resolve

Gangneung: Gamba Osaka head coach Tomokazu Myojin hailed his players’ resilience after the Japanese side edged Gangwon FC 1-0 after extra time to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Gaku Nawata struck in the 103rd minute to settle a finely balanced Preliminary Stage encounter in favour of the reigning AFC Champions League Two™ titleholders.

PS: Al Jazira FSC (UAE) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

PS: Al Jazira FSC (UAE) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Abu Dhabi: Al Ittihad Club powered to a 4-1 win against Al Jazira FSC to secure their place in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

Steven Bergwijn starred with a brace, with further goals from Houssem Aouar and Marwan Al Sahafi sealing the win for the Saudi Pro League side. Simon Banza netted a late consolation for UAE’s Al Jazira.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-al-jazira-fsc-uae-v-al-ittihad-club-ksa

PS: Pakhtakor (UZB) 3-0 Al Hussein (JOR)

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

PS: Pakhtakor (UZB) 3-0 Al Hussein (JOR)

Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor cruised into the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ after overpowering Al Hussein of Jordan 3-0 at the Pakhtakor Stadium on Tuesday.

Dostonbek Khamdamov’s brace and a solo effort by Bashar Rasan ensured Pakhtakor will take part for the 20th time in the continental showpiece. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-pakhtakor-uzb-v-al-hussein-jor

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Gangneung: Gamba Osaka secured their place in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday as Gaku Nawata’s extra-time strike earned the J1 League side a 1-0 win over hosts Gangwon FC from Korea Republic.

Nawata scored 13 minutes into extra-time for the reigning AFC Champions League Two™ title-holders after neither side had managed to find a way through during the regulation 90 minutes.

Osaka will join compatriots Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto Sanga in the draw for the league phase, which has been expanded from 24 to 32 teams, in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.

Gangwon were eliminated despite dominating for long periods against a Gamba side that exhibited obvious signs of rustiness in a match that was played after just one week of action in the new J1 League season.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-gangwon-fc-kor-v-gamba-osaka-jpn

PS: Adelaide United (AUS) 0-2 Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

PS: Adelaide United (AUS) 0-2 Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)

Adelaide: Vietnam’s Cong An Ha Noi FC defeated Adelaide United of Australia 2-0 to secure their spot in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Alexandre Polking’s V League 1 champions kept Adelaide quiet throughout with goals from Henen and Koko sealing their place in the draw in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/ps-adelaide-united-aus-v-cong-an-ha-noi-fc-vie-1

#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Sun, 09 Aug, 2026

#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ kicks off with the preliminary stage this coming week.

The third edition of the revamped continental showpiece promises more thrills and spills and the-AFC.com takes a deep dive into what can be expected from Asia's premier men's club tournament.