AFC Proposes 32-Team Champions League Elite With New Playoff Round

AFC Champions League Elite set to expand to 32 teams in 2026-27

AFC Champions League Elite set for 32-team expansion in 2026-27. New format adds playoff round for teams finishing 7th-10th in each region.

East-West split, Champions League Elite eyes expansion, more knockout drama...

The Asian Football Confederation on Tuesday recommended expanding its top club tournament, with the AFC Champions League Elite set to grow from 24 to 32 teams starting in the 2026-27 season.

The expansion would split the competition into 16 teams each for the East and West regions. The AFC says the move will increase competitiveness and broaden inclusion across Asian club football.

The AFC also proposed revising how teams advance after the league stage to add more weight to the opening phase.

🚨 #BREAKING

The AFC have announced major changed to #ACLElite.

⬆️ Increase from 24 to 32 teams - 16 teams each in East/West
🪜 Only top six of each zone guaranteed progression
🏟️ Teams ranked 6-10 to play additional Knockout Stage Playoff to decide final two spots pic.twitter.com/We8askfizq

— The Asian Game (@TheAsianGame) April 14, 2026

Under the plan, clubs that finish first through sixth in each region would qualify directly for the round of 16.

In a change from past formats, teams finishing seventh to 10th would still be alive, moving into a new knockout-stage playoff to fight for the remaining last-16 places.

Seventh and eighth place teams would host their playoff ties, with the winners clinching the final round of 16 berths.

A knockout-stage playoff won’t debut in 2026-27 due to the packed global calendar. The AFC intends to add it in future campaigns.

The proposals still require AFC Executive Committee approval, but they’re widely expected to be adopted as outlined.