The Asian Football Confederation has unveiled a set of unprecedented structural reforms to the AFC Champions League Elite as part of a comprehensive plan to boost competitiveness and enhance the tournament’s commercial value starting from the 2026-2027 season.
Among the top notable changes is the expansion of the competition from 24 to 32 teams, while maintaining the current format of dividing clubs equally between the East and West regions, with 16 teams in each zone.
The move is expected to provide more chances for top clubs across Asia and elevate the overall quality of competition.
The reforms also include a revised qualification system for the Round of 16 in seasons following the 2026-2027 edition.
Under the new format, the top six teams from each region will automatically qualify, while teams finishing between seventh and tenth place will enter a newly introduced playoff round instead of being eliminated directly.
According to the updated system, higher-ranked teams in this playoff stage, specifically those finishing seventh and eighth, will benefit from home advantage.
The winners will then complete the lineup for the Round of 16, increasing the importance of league standings until the final rounds.
However, the playoff phase will not be implemented in the 2026-2027 season due to a congested international and continental schedule. It is expected to be introduced in subsequent seasons.
These reforms reflect the AFC’s broader vision to make the competition more inclusive and commercially attractive while raising the level of competition and strengthening its global standing.
The changes are set to come into effect once officially approved by the AFC Executive Committee.
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