JFA announces new ACL entry rules and 2026-27 tournament details

The Japan Football Association (JFA) has finalized the club nomination methods for the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) and AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) starting from the 2027-28 season. Under the new system, the top three teams from the J1 League will earn direct entry into the ACLE league stage, while the 4th and 5th placed teams will enter via playoffs. The Emperor's Cup winner will secure a direct spot in the ACL2 group stage.

Regarding the 2026-27 ACLE season, the league stage draw has been completed, featuring a record five Japanese clubs: Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol, Kyoto Sanga FC, and Gamba Osaka. Due to the AFC's ranking-based placement system, Japanese clubs will not face Chinese opponents in the league stage, as China's 4th-place ranking allows them to be placed in the same column as Japan, and clubs in the same column do not play each other.

However, the draw has set up significant matchups between Japanese and South Korean clubs. South Korean sides Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Pohang Steelers, and Daejeon Hana Citizen are scheduled to face all five Japanese representatives, resulting in 15 total Japan-South Korea matches during the league stage. South Korean media has noted the importance of these matches for the K League's prestige.