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.

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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.

Group Stage cast decided

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Group Stage cast decided

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ Group Stage was finalised on Sunday, with six teams booking their tickets.

They join defending champions Naegohyang Women’s FC of DPR Korea, Melbourne City FC (AUS), Hwacheon KSPO WFC (KOR), INAC Kobe Leonessa (JPN), Beijing Jingtan Football Club (CHN) and Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE), with the Group Stage Draw scheduled for September 3.

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr set early pace; winning start for Al Sadd

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr set early pace; winning start for Al Sadd

Doha: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season as champions Al Nassr Club cruised to a 4-0 win against Al Riyadh in their Saudi Pro League 2026/27 tie.

Akram Afif also got his first of the season as defending champions Al Sadd SC kicked off their new campaign with a 3-1 defeat of Al Ahli.

Defending champions Al Ain were among four teams who won their second successive matches in the UAE Pro League while Air Force SC had to settle for a second draw in as many matches.