New Delhi: The AFC Champions League is set for a major expansion, with the number of participating teams increasing from 24 to 32 starting from the 2026–27 season. The decision, announced by the Asian Football Confederation, is aimed at enhancing competitiveness and broadening opportunities across the continent.
Despite the increase in teams, the tournament’s overall structure will largely remain unchanged. The competition will continue to feature two regional groups, East and West, but each group will expand from 12 to 16 teams under the new format.
Under the revised system, the top six teams from each group will qualify directly for the round of 16. Teams finishing between seventh and tenth place will enter a newly introduced playoff stage, offering an additional pathway into the knockout rounds and increasing the stakes during the group phase.
The AFC described the move as a significant step toward promoting inclusivity and raising the standard of club football in Asia. By allowing more teams to participate, the governing body aims to give emerging clubs greater exposure at the highest level of continental competition.
The tournament, which has been rebranded as the AFC Champions League Elite since the 2024–25 season, continues to evolve in format and scale as part of broader reforms in Asian football.
Meanwhile, the ongoing 2025–26 edition is currently in its knockout phase, with last-16 and quarterfinal matches being held in Jeddah. The expansion is expected to further elevate the tournament’s profile and competitiveness in the coming years.
