The AFC Competitions Committee has proposed a series of reforms aimed at increasing competitiveness, inclusivity, and overall quality across Asian club football. The most notable change is the expansion of the tournament to a 32-team format.
Beginning in 2026/27, the League Stage will grow from 24 to 32 teams. The format will continue to be split evenly, with 16 clubs each representing the East and West regions.
This expansion is designed to:
Offer more clubs the chance to compete at the highest continental level Raise the standard of domestic leagues across Asia Strengthen the overall competitiveness of the tournament
New Qualification System for Knockout Stage
Changes to qualification for the Round of 16 will come into effect after the 2026/27 season.
Under the revised structure:
•Teams finishing 1st to 6th in each region will qualify directly for the Round of 16
•Teams placed 7th to 10th will enter a newly introduced Knockout Stage Playoff
Introduction of Knockout Stage Playoff
The playoff round will add extra intensity to the competition. Higher-ranked teams (7th and 8th) will enjoy home advantage in these fixtures.
Winners of the playoff ties will claim the remaining spots in the Round of 16, ensuring that league-stage rankings remain crucial until the final matchday.
However, due to an already packed international football calendar, this playoff system will not be implemented in the 2026/27 season and is expected to begin in later editions.
AFC’s Vision Behind the Changes
These updates highlight the AFC’s broader strategy to:
•Increase participation across Asia
•Enhance commercial appeal
•Maintain the competition’s global relevance
By expanding the tournament, the AFC aims to create a more dynamic and inclusive platform for clubs and fans alike.
Final Approval Pending
All proposed changes are subject to approval by the AFC Executive Committee before being officially implemented.
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