ACL Elite set to expand to 32 teams

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has recommended a significant expansion of the AFC Champions League Elite, increasing the number of teams in the league stage from the current 24 to 32 starting from the 2026/27 season.

Under the existing format, the competition features 24 clubs split evenly between the East and West regions (12 teams each). Each team plays eight matches against others in its region during the league stage, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds.

The proposed new structure will maintain the East-West split but expand each region to 16 teams. The top six clubs from every region will qualify directly for the Round of 16, while teams finishing 7th to 10th will enter a new Knockout Stage Playoff (with higher-ranked sides enjoying home advantage). However, due to the crowded international calendar, the playoff system will not be introduced immediately in 2026/27 and will be implemented in subsequent seasons.

The expansion still needs to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee before it can take effect.

The AFC said, "This latest expansion reinforces the AFC’s dedication to delivering a more inclusive and commercially viable Continental platform."