Five Saudi Clubs in 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite

Five Saudi clubs are competing in the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite, with Al Ahli joining Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah in continental action this season.

Four of the clubs entered directly at the league stage: Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah. Al Ittihad began their campaign in the preliminary stage before the main competition.

The league stage kicked off on 14 September 2026 and is scheduled to run until 17 February 2027. This season marks a significant expansion for the tournament, which grew from 24 to 32 teams.

Al Ahli enter the competition as the defending champions, carrying the responsibility of protecting their continental crown. The qualification routes reflected last season's domestic results: Al Nassr booked their place as 2025-26 Saudi Pro League champions, Al Hilal qualified as runners-up, and Al Ahli secured a spot by finishing third.

Why it matters

Having five clubs in Asia's premier club competition underlines the growing strength of Saudi football on the continental stage. For fans across the Kingdom, from the Riyadh and Jeddah derbies to matches in the Eastern Province, the season promises a packed calendar of high-profile fixtures running through the winter months.

The expanded 32-team format also means more matches and a longer road to the title, giving supporters additional opportunities to follow their teams throughout the campaign.

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