The AFC Champions League Elite is back with a vengeance and the new Swiss-style format has produced some mouth-watering clashes for the opening stage.
The stakes are higher than ever as the winner claims continental bragging rights and also secures a place in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
There will be numerous blockbuster showdowns from September through to the finals in Riyadh. With that in mind, read on as we preview the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Elite.
AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 – Schedule
- Matchday 1: September 15–16 (West), September 16–17 (East)
- Matchday 2: September 29–30 (West), September 30 – October 1 (East)
- Matchday 3: October 20–21 (West), October 21–22 (East)
- Matchday 4: November 3–4 (West), November 4–5 (East)
- Matchday 5: November 24–25 (West), November 25–26 (East)
- Matchday 6: December 8–9 (West), December 9–10 (East)
- Matchday 7: February 9–10 (West), February 10–11 (East)
- Matchday 8: February 16–17 (West), February 17–18 (East)
- Round of 16: March 2–3 & March 9–10 (West), March 3–4 & March 10–11 (East)
- Finals in Riyadh: April 17–25 (Quarter-finals, Semi-finals & Final)
AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 – League Phase Draw
The new format ensures teams do not get an easy route to the latter stages. They must face eight different sides from their region before progressing to the knockout phase.
Reigning champions Al-Ahli have been drawn against Shabab Al-Ahli, Sharjah FC, Al-Wahda, Nasaf, Al-Shorta, Al-Gharafa, Al-Duhail and Al-Sadd.
Four-time champions Al-Hilal must contend with Al-Sadd, Al-Shorta, Shabab Al-Ahli, Nasaf, Al-Duhail, Al-Wahda, Sharjah FC and Al-Gharafa.
Betting against the Saudi Pro League (SPL) teams in this competition will likely be an exercise in futility given the strength of their squads.
With Al-Ittihad also in the mix, the chances of an SPL winning the prestigious competition are extremely high and Arab punters will be keen to capitalise.
While there is no Kuwaiti representative in the AFC Champions League Elite this season, that is unlikely to deter Middle Eastern bettors from wagering on neighbouring teams.
The best betting sites in Kuwait offer a wide range of markets on the tournament and the SPL teams will be a popular pick with local punters.
Over in the Eastern group, renowned Japanese side Vissel Kobe will lock horns with Ulsan HD, FC Seoul and Gangwon FC.
They also face Melbourne City, Shanghai Port, Shanghai Shenhua, Johor Darul Ta’zim and Chengdu Rongcheng.
AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 – Preview
AL-Ahli are the team to beat in the competition. They have retained the core of the squad that won the 2024/25 title and have added French playmaker Enzo Millot to their ranks this summer.
SPL rivals Al-Hilal are also dangerous. They are one of the most successful modern clubs on the continent and have a point to prove in this season’s tournament.
With Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and more stars in their squad, they have the quality and tournament know-how to go all the way.
Japanese side Vissel Kobe have momentum behind them after claiming a domestic double. Their defensive resolve and talismanic prowess of 35-year-old Yuya Osako makes them serious contenders.
South Korean counterparts Ulsan HD are also a significant threat. Their well-drilled, high-octane style makes them fearsome opponents for any team they face.
If they can manage their injuries better this season and handle tricky fixtures against Chinese and Japanese opposition, a third AFC Champions League title may be within their grasp.
Elsewhere, sleeping giants Shanghai Port will be looking to make a statement on the continent again.
With the evergreen Wu Lei still leading the charge and several top-tier imports, they could return to the top domestically and continentally. Shanghai Port’s early draw is favourable and allows them to build steam towards the