الاتحاد الآسيوي لكرة القدم يكشف عن جدول بطولاته للموسم المقبل بمشاركة 85 ناديًا من 37 اتحادًا
In a move that underscores its dedication to organizing high-caliber continental tournaments to enhance Asian football, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the rosters of clubs participating in its three men’s club competitions for the 2025-2026 season. These competitions include the prestigious AFC Champions League, the AFC Champions League 2, and the AFC Challenge League, all structured according to the final allocation of slots and the approval of licensed clubs.
This season, a total of 85 clubs from 37 member associations will compete across these three tournaments. The preliminary matches, often referred to as the “playoff” round, will take place on August 12 and 13. Following the initial matchups, the group stage draws for both the AFC Champions League and the AFC Champions League 2 are set to occur on August 15. Additionally, the draw for the AFC Challenge League will be held on August 28.
The elite AFC Champions League will feature 26 clubs representing six associations from both the western and eastern regions of Asia. Out of these, 11 teams will qualify directly for the group stage, while two clubs from each region will compete in the preliminary playoff rounds. The group stage of the Champions League is slated to kick off on September 15.
On the other hand, the AFC Champions League 2, recognized for accommodating a larger number of clubs, will consist of 29 teams qualifying directly for the group stage—14 from the west and 15 from the east. Additionally, six clubs will participate in the preliminary playoff rounds. The group stage for this league is set to commence on September 16.
As for the AFC Challenge League, it will see participation from 26 clubs, which includes a group stage made up of five teams from the west and three from the east. The competition is scheduled to begin on October 25. Preceding the main tournament, 18 clubs will vie for a place in the group stage: 10 from the western region and 8 from the eastern region. Final match schedules for these preliminary rounds will be confirmed following the acceptance of the finalized club lists.
Overall, this season promises to be an exciting period for Asian football as the AFC continues to facilitate competitive opportunities that foster the growth and development of the sport across the continent. With established clubs and emerging teams competing on an equal footing, these tournaments are expected to bolster the quality of football in Asia and provide a platform for showcasing talent at the highest level.
