Khaberni - The draw for the league stage of the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League for the Elite resulted in strong clashes, having unveiled several expected Arab and Gulf confrontations in the new edition of the tournament.
The draw was conducted today, Tuesday, in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, amidst great anticipation from the participating clubs, under the new system that sees the number of teams in the league stage increased to 32 teams instead of 24.
The league stage competitions in the western region will begin on September 14 and 15, 2026, and will continue until February 2027, before moving to the knockout stages.
The draw placed Saudi Al-Hilal in a strong showdown against Al-Ain from UAE, repeating the encounter that brought the two teams together in last season’s semi-finals, which adds a revengeful flavor and additional excitement to the anticipated match.
Al-Hilal will also face a number of strong competitors, including Tractor from Iran, Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadisiyah from Saudi Arabia, along with other matches against clubs from Qatar, UAE, and Uzbekistan.
Saudi Al-Nassr faces a tough test against Al-Sadd from Qatar, along with other matches against Al-Ain, Shabab Al-Ahli, Neftchi, and Pakhtakor, as well as a number of other clubs participating from the western region.
Meanwhile, Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia, the defending champions, will meet Shabab Al-Ahli from UAE, in addition to strong confrontations against Al-Ain, Esteghlal from Iran, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Pakhtakor, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.
In turn, Al-Ittihad from Saudi Arabia will face a group of strong rivals, notably Al-Sadd, Al-Ain, Shabab Al-Ahli, Al-Gharafa, Al-Wasl, Pakhtakor, and Al-Shamal, alongside a local clash against Al-Hilal.
The new edition features a prominent change in the tournament system, with the number of clubs participating in the league stage raised to 32 teams, 16 clubs in each of the western and eastern regions.
Clubs in each region are divided into four levels, where each team plays eight matches against different opponents, with two matches against teams from each level, distributing the matches between home and away.
The teams with advanced positions will qualify for the knockout stages, which will determine the champion of the new edition.
Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia holds the title of the last edition and aims to maintain its continental throne for the second consecutive season, while the rest of the Saudi clubs look to reclaim the title and compete strongly for the tournament.
League stage dates
First round: September 14–15, 2026 for the West, and September 15–16 for the East.
Second round: October 12–13 for the West, and October 13–14 for the East.
Third round: October 26–27 for the West, and October 27–28 for the East.
Fourth round: November 2–3 for the West, and November 3–4 for the East.
Fifth round: November 23–24 for the West, and November 24–25 for the East.
Sixth round: December 7–8 for the West, and December 1–2 for the East.
Seventh round: February 8–9, 2027 for the West, and February 9–10 for the East.
Eighth round: February 15–16 for the West, and February 16–17 for the East.
