# 2026-27 AFC Champions League tournament matchups

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-27-afc-champions-league-tournament-matchups
> Updated: 2026-08-18T08:39:33.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has finalized the matchups for the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) and AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2). 

The ACLE features an expanded league stage of 32 clubs. High-profile matchups include Saudi Arabian clubs Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Nassr facing UAE’s Al Ain. The tournament utilizes a format where teams in the East and West zones play eight matches total, with clubs from the same country prohibited from facing each other during the league stage. 

Following the completion of the league stage draw, a record five Japanese J1 clubs are set to participate in the ACLE: Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol, Kyoto Sanga FC, and Gamba Osaka. Due to the AFC ranking-based placement system, these Japanese clubs will not face Chinese opponents during the league stage. However, the draw has scheduled significant matchups between Japanese and South Korean clubs, with South Korean sides Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Pohang Steelers, and Daejeon Hana Citizen set to face all five Japanese representatives, totaling 15 Japan-South Korea matches.

In the ACL2, FC Machida Zelvia is scheduled to compete in Group G of the East Zone against Shanghai Shenhua, Svay Rieng FC, and Tampines Rovers FC.

Additionally, the Japan Football Association (JFA) has announced new club nomination methods for the 2027-28 season. Under this system, the top three J1 League teams 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 receive a direct spot in the ACL2 group stage.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: JFA announces new ACL entry rules and 2026-27 tournament details

The JFA has set new ACL entry rules for 2027-28. Meanwhile, the 2026-27 ACLE draw features five Japanese clubs, notably avoiding Chinese teams but facing multiple South Korean opponents.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afc-announces-2026-27-champions-league-elite-and-acl2-matchups

### 2026-08-17: AFC Champions League Elite draw features high-profile Saudi club matchups

The AFC Champions League Elite draw features high-profile matchups including Al Hilal vs Al Ain, while Saudi clubs Al Nassr and Al Ahli prepare for both continental and domestic fixtures.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/al-hilal-to-defend-kings-cup-title-against-al-raed

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Cite as: 2026-27 AFC Champions League tournament matchups. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-27-afc-champions-league-tournament-matchups