Indian Super League clubs will continue to play in the Asian Champions League 2 next season, despite the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announcing more places will be available in the Champions League Elite for other countries.
This season’s ISL winner will get a direct group stage spot in ACL 2, while the Super Cup winner, FC Goa, will earn a play-off spot.
The Elite competition will see clubs from Saudi Arabia and Japan increase their places to five in the extended competition phase of the competition.
The AFC announced that its Professional Football Committee has adopted changes to the competition that will see the 2026/27 edition of the club championship feature 32 teams, up from 24 currently, when it kicks off in September.
Japan currently has three automatic spots in the league stage, while Saudi Arabia has two plus a play-off spot.
Organizers have increased Saudi Arabia’s quota of guaranteed berths to three – in line with Japan’s situation – while awarding the two countries two additional play-offs.
Japanese and Saudi Arabian clubs have dominated the competition since adopting the new format in 2024, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli set to meet J-League team Machida Zelvia in the latest final on Saturday.
The expansion will see the competition stage in both West and East Asia grow from 12 to 16 teams on each side of the confederation, with the first eight finishers advancing to the knockout rounds next season.
The United Arab Emirates have also seen their allowance increase to three automatic slots with one play-off place available, while Qatar has been given three confirmed berths.
South Korea has been given one additional play-off spot to the existing three confirmed spots, while Thailand has seen its quota increase from one to three guaranteed league stage spots.
China retains its two automatic spots but loses a play-off place after all three participants failed to progress to the knockout rounds of the current edition.
Australia has added a playoff slot to its only confirmed place in the league stage, while Jordan and Vietnam have both been awarded playoff spots.
The decisions must be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee.
Published on April 24, 2026
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