Landmark expansion of AFC Champions League Elite™ from 2026/27 season recommended

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Landmark expansion of AFC Champions League Elite™ from 2026/27 season recommended

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Competitions Committee has recommended a series of strategic enhancements to the Continent’s premier club competition, the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite), headlined by a move to a 32-team format beginning in the 2026/27 season. 

The reforms underscore the AFC’s commitment to further promote inclusivity and excellence across the Continent whilst introducing a more rigorous qualification pathway to the Knockout Stage.

Mancini hails resilient Al Sadd; Al Hilal's Inzaghi rues elimination

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Mancini hails resilient Al Sadd; Al Hilal's Inzaghi rues elimination

Jeddah: Roberto Mancini was effusive in his praise after Al Sadd SC produced a remarkable performance to advance to the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ on Monday.

The Qatari side came from behind thrice to force extra-time following a 3-3 draw and then saw off the challenge of favourites Al Hilal SFC with a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout.

Mahrez urges Al Ahli to stand and deliver

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Mahrez urges Al Ahli to stand and deliver

Jeddah: Riyad Mahrez has challenged his Al Ahli Saudi FC teammates to continue raising their performance after the defending champions booked their ticket to the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ on Monday.

Mahrez's sublime free-kick in extra-time settled the nervy tie against Qatar's Al Duhail SC with Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli to face Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Preview - S-final (2nd Leg): Bangkok United (THA) 1 v 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Preview - S-final (2nd Leg): Bangkok United (THA) 1 v 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Bangkok: Bangkok United will be bidding to get the job done when they host Gamba Osaka in the return leg of their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ semi-final on Wednesday.

Muhsen Al Ghassani’s 15th minute penalty secured Thailand's Bangkok a 1-0 win in the first leg as Japan's Gamba suffered defeat for the first time on the continental stage this season.

Europe Wrap: Ueda closing in on history

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Europe Wrap: Ueda closing in on history

Kuala Lumpur: Japan and Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda netted his 23rd goal in 28 appearances, putting the 27-year-old on track to become the first Japanese player to finish as top scorer in the Eredivisie.

Other continental stars also filled the scoresheet, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe this past week.