#ACLElite - 5 Things to look out for

Sat, 12 Sep, 2026

#ACLElite - 5 Things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite™ 2026/27 gets underway with Matchday One to be played over the coming days.

An expanded cast of 32 teams will battle for continental supremacy, with the League Stage promising intrigue from the opening whistle as established heavyweights, returning contenders and ambitious newcomers begin their campaigns.

The-AFC.com picks out five things to look out for.

#ACLElite - All you need to know

Fri, 11 Sep, 2026

#ACLElite - All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ is set for another exhilarating season as Asia’s finest prepare to battle for the ultimate glory in club football.

With the action to kick off on Monday, the-AFC.com takes you through the key things you need to know about the expanded version.

#ACLElite contenders assemble for expanded League Stage kick-off

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026

#ACLElite contenders assemble for expanded League Stage kick-off

Kuala Lumpur: All eyes in Asia will turn to the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ when the opening matchday begins on September 14 (Monday).

Taking place for the 24th occasion in the modern era under the AFC Champions League™ banner, the competition was revamped to its current name starting from the 2024/25 edition. More significantly, the upcoming campaign features an expanded League Stage cast of 32 clubs – eight more than the preceding two seasons.

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.