Al-Ahli drawn with Al Ain in ACL Elite league phase

Defending champion Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia has been drawn to play 2024 title-holder Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the league phase of the expanded Asian Champions League Elite, officials confirmed after Tuesday’s official draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Organisers said the revamped tournament will feature 32 teams, split into two regional tracks: a western group and an eastern group, each made up of 16 clubs. The competition is scheduled to begin on September 14, 2026, and conclude with a centralized final in Saudi Arabia on May 1, 2027.

Western draw pairs leading clubs early

In the western slate, Al-Ahli—coached by Marino Pusic—will also play Qatari sides Al-Sadd, Al-Shamal, and Al-Gharafa. Officials said the Saudi club’s league-phase opponents additionally include Emirati teams Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl.

Two clubs from Uzbekistan, Neftchi and Pakhtakor, complete Al-Ahli’s list of league-phase opponents. Officials noted that the draw creates multiple early meetings among high-profile teams under the larger format.

Another Saudi Pro League heavyweight, Al-Nassr, was also drawn against Al Ain. Al-Nassr’s squad includes forward Cristiano Ronaldo, a detail that adds to the spotlight on the western track.

Four-time Asian champion Al Hilal will meet the same set of opponents assigned to Al-Ahli, including Al-Sadd and Al-Shamal, according to officials. The overlap in opponents is among the notable features of the league-phase draw in the western group.

Eastern track features former winners and new entrants

In the eastern section, Japan’s Kashima Antlers—described by officials as the most recent East Asian winner under the current format—will play South Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors, a two-time champion. Officials also listed additional teams and matchups that will be part of the eastern league phase.

Thai clubs Buriram United, Port FC, and Ratchaburi FC are included in the eastern group. Cong An Ha Noi from Vietnam was identified by officials as tournament debutants.

South Korea’s Daejeon Citizen and Pohang Steelers also feature in the eastern track, alongside Australian champion Newcastle Jets, according to officials.

Knockout route and Saudi Arabia’s role as host

The competition format sends the top eight teams from each regional group into the knockout stage. Officials said the closing rounds—quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final—will be staged in Saudi Arabia, marking the third consecutive year the country has hosted the centralized conclusion to the tournament.

The league round is scheduled to run through February 17, 2027, with the final series of matches beginning on April 23, 2027. Organisers said the expansion from 24 to 32 teams is intended to raise competitive intensity and increase fan engagement across Asia.

Some operational details remain unresolved based on the draw information provided. Officials did not specify match venues for the league phase, and organisers have not set out further logistical decisions around the centralized finish beyond confirming the host country and dates.