AFC Champions League 2025/26 Preview
The AFC Champions League enters the 2025/26 season with excitement across Asia, as the continent’s biggest clubs battle for the top prize. With expanded coverage and rising quality in leagues from Japan to Saudi Arabia, this campaign promises compelling storylines and plenty of betting angles.
Key Contenders
Al Hilal remains among the favourites. They have both pedigree and depth, a team that combines domestic dominance with strong continental performances. Al-Ahli, as reigning champions, enter with confidence, coaching stability under Matthias Jaissle and a squad designed to defend their title. From other regions, teams like Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and Qatar’s Al-Sadd are expected to push hard. These clubs often perform strongly in knockout settings and possess squads capable of blending experience with flair.
Dark Horses & Underrated Threats
Though not the bookies’ top picks, several teams could upset the established order. Clubs like Buriram United (Thailand) could surprise in early knockout rounds. Others, such as Kawasaki Frontale (Japan) or Ulsan HD FC (South Korea), while sometimes underrated, have enough tactical discipline and squad cohesion to make noise. Also, clubs that narrowly missed top qualification last season are highly motivated to prove themselves.
AFC Champions League 25/26 Key Storylines & Matchups
One major storyline will be how teams manage fixture congestion, especially those balancing tough domestic leagues with deep continental runs. The knockout rounds are centralised this season, culminating in the later matches being held in venues in Saudi Arabia, which may favour Saudi clubs slightly in terms of familiarity and travel fatigue. Also, how new recruits perform on the big stages — e.g. high-profile foreigners and young local talents — could heavily swing results.
Matchups to watch: FC Seoul against Buriram United offers contrast between a powerhouse and a rising underdog. The absence of Al Nassr removes one expected threat, shifting pressure to other big clubs.
AFC Champions League Format
From the 2024–25 season, the AFC Champions League Elite has a fresh look. The main stage now features 24 clubs, with qualifying rounds giving others a shot at joining the action. As always, teams are split into East and West zones to keep the regional balance.
How many spots each country gets isn’t fixed — the AFC Competitions Committee checks every year. Their system, inspired by UEFA’s model, looks at things like stadium quality and market appeal. Simply put, the higher your league ranks, the more clubs your country can send to the tournament.
Asian national league winners get a direct spot in the competition while lower-ranking teams can earn their spot through qualifications. So for example, you have teams from the , the Persian Gulf Pro League, the Qatar Stars League, and the Uzbekistan Super League competing from the West Region alongside teams from the , ,, and Thai League 1 coming in from the East Region.
