#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.

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. 

#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.