Asian club football is poised for a significant structural overhaul as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed plans to expand its flagship competition, the AFC Champions League Elite, from 24 to 32 teams.
The governing body has described the move as a “historic step” aimed at strengthening inclusivity while simultaneously raising the competitive standard across the continent. The proposal is expected to take effect from the upcoming season, pending final approval by the AFC Executive Committee.
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A Landmark Structural Reform
The expansion represents one of the most substantial changes in the tournament’s modern era. By increasing the number of participating clubs, the AFC seeks to broaden access for teams across emerging and established football nations, while enhancing the overall competitive ecosystem in Asia.
Officials argue that the revised format will provide greater international exposure for clubs, improve match quality, and accelerate the development of football infrastructure across member associations.
Overhauled Competition Format
While the tournament will continue to operate with its established East and West regional divisions, several key modifications will be introduced from the 2026–27 season, particularly in the group stage and qualification process.
AFC Champions League Elite — Format Comparison
| Category | Previous Format | New Format |
|---|---|---|
| Total Teams | 24 | 32 |
| Regional Split | East & West | East & West |
| Teams per Group | 12 | 16 |
| Direct Qualification to Round of 16 | Top 5 teams (approx.) | Top 6 teams |
| Additional Qualification Route | None | Play-off (7th–10th places) |
Under the revised structure, each regional group will expand to 16 teams. The top six clubs in each group will advance automatically to the Round of 16, while teams finishing between seventh and tenth will enter a newly introduced knockout play-off round to compete for remaining places.
This additional layer is designed to maintain competitive tension deeper into the group phase, ensuring that more clubs remain in contention for qualification for a longer period.
Maintaining Structure Amid Expansion
Despite the enlargement, the AFC has opted to retain the East-West split, a format that helps manage logistical complexities across Asia’s vast geography, including travel distance, scheduling demands, and climatic variation.
Following the group stage and newly introduced play-offs, the competition will proceed to the knockout rounds, culminating in the final to determine Asia’s premier club side.
Evolution of the Tournament Brand
The competition has already undergone a major rebranding exercise. From the 2024–25 season onwards, it has been officially designated the AFC Champions League Elite, reflecting the AFC’s ambition to elevate its premier club competition to a higher global standing.
In the current 2025–26 season, the latter stages of the tournament—including the Round of 16 and quarter-finals—are being staged in Jeddah, highlighting the country’s growing influence as a hub for elite Asian football events.
Opportunities and Competitive Pressure
The expansion is expected to create a mixed impact across the continent. For emerging football nations and smaller clubs, the increased allocation of places offers a valuable opportunity for continental exposure, revenue generation, and sporting development.
For established clubs, however, the expanded field may intensify competition, requiring deeper squads, enhanced rotation strategies, and improved resource management to sustain performance across a longer and more demanding campaign.
Commercially, the broader representation of clubs is also likely to enhance broadcasting appeal, sponsorship value, and fan engagement across diverse Asian markets.
A Step Towards Continental Growth
The AFC’s decision reflects a broader strategy to modernise Asian football and increase its global competitiveness. By expanding participation while refining competition structure, the governing body aims to strike a balance between inclusivity and elite performance.
If formally approved, the 32-team format will usher in a new era for the AFC Champions League Elite—one defined by greater diversity, heightened competition, and expanded commercial reach.
As Asian football continues its rapid evolution, the reform could play a crucial role in narrowing the gap with Europe’s leading club competitions and strengthening the continent’s position on the global football stage.