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.

#ACLTwo - Group Stage Draw finalised

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

#ACLTwo - Group Stage Draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The 32-strong cast for the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ discovered their opponents following the Group Stage Draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

The 22nd edition of Asia’s second-tier men’s competition will kick off its thrilling group battles - to be played in a home-and-away round-robin format - on September 15.

Europe Wrap: Memorable week for Ueda, Ishiwatari

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

Europe Wrap: Memorable week for Ueda, Ishiwatari

Kuala Lumpur: Japan mainstay Ayase Ueda and U23 midfielder Nelson Ishiwatari found the back of the net for Feyenoord and Sint-Truiden respectively as both internationals made an impact in their second outings of the season.

Other continental regulars and newcomers also left their mark, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

Urawa strengthen with Yamane, Seko moves

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

Urawa strengthen with Yamane, Seko moves

Kuala Lumpur: Urawa Red Diamonds have bolstered their squad with the signing of two experienced players in Miki Yamane and Tatsuki Seko.

The 2006 J1 League champions have started their new campaign in underwhelming fashion, losing their opening two matches but head coach Cho Kwi-jae will now have an improved arsenal at his disposal.

Thailand survive Singapore fightback to advance

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

Thailand survive Singapore fightback to advance

Bangkok: Thailand advanced to the final of the ASEAN Championship 2026 despite slipping to a 2-1 loss against Singapore in Bangkok on Tuesday as Anthony Hudson’s side completed a 4-3 aggregate win to progress to the two-legged decider.

Kakana Khamyok’s 61st minute penalty proved decisive, the spot-kick levelling the scores after Harhys Stewart had given Singapore a 45th minute lead only for Pansa Hemviboon’s own goal to restore the visitors’ one-goal advantage.

Gavin Lee’s side were unable to find their way through the Thai defence for a third time, however, and Thailand will face either Vietnam or Malaysia in the home-and-away final in their quest for a record-extending eighth title.