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Akhmedov urges Uzbekistan clubs to aim high

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Akhmedov urges Uzbekistan clubs to aim high

Kuala Lumpur: Odil Akhmedov has challenged Uzbekistan clubs to aim for the sky when they compete in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™.

Reaching the semi-finals is the best Uzbekistan clubs have managed on the highest stage of Asian club football, with four separate appearances achieved equally by Pakhtakor and FC Bunyodkor.

Uzbekistan football, however, is enjoying a purple patch -  as highlighted by various national team age-group successes and a first FIFA World Cup appearance - and Akhmedov wants to see his nation’s clubs emulating the achievements. 

Legend Endo backs Kashima to make strong return

Sat, 22 Aug, 2026

Legend Endo backs Kashima to make strong return

Kuala Lumpur: Kashima Antler’s wait to return to the AFC Champions League Elite™ is finally over and Yasushi Endo is backing his former club to lead the way for Japanese teams in the competition.

The 38-year-old spent 15 years with Kashima and hit the highest of peaks in 2018 when he helped the club to their only Asian title with a 2-0 aggregate victory against Persepolis FC of Islamic Republic of Iran in the AFC Champions League™ final.

Since a quarter-final exit ended their title defence in 2019, Kashima finally booked a return to the top tier of Asian football by emerging J1 League champions in 2025.

League Stage Draw: 5 Takeaways

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

League Stage Draw: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Tuesday's AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage Draw produced an outstanding set of fixtures, leaving fans waiting in anticipation.

As we eagerly await the action kicking off on September 14, the-AFC.com highlights several takeaways from the Draw which was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

League Stage Draw: What they said

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

League Stage Draw: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ is primed for take off following Tuesday’s League Stage Draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Fans can expect highly exciting battles, with the continent’s premier men’s club football tournament expanded to 32 teams.

The-AFC.com caught up with several team representatives to hear what they had to say about the Draw. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/afc-champions-league-elite™-202627-league-stage-draw-|-highlights

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/aclelite-league-stage-draw-1

#ACLElite - Hopefuls discover path to glory

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

#ACLElite - Hopefuls discover path to glory

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for a thrilling AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ following the League Stage Draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

The 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.

#ACLElite - League Stage Draw: All you need to know

Sat, 15 Aug, 2026

#ACLElite - League Stage Draw: All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: Excitement is building for the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage Draw which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

Fans can expect even more top quality matches as the teams look to lift the most coveted trophy in Asian club football. The-AFC.com highlights several interesting facts and figures about the League Stage Draw.

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.