Saudi Arabia confirmed to host Asian Champions League Elite finals
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The Saudis have hosted the first two editions of the event, which sees the quarterfinals, semifinals and final played in a centralised venue, since the continent’s premier club competition was restructured before the 2024/2025 season.
Jeddah-based outfit Al-Ahli have won the title on the two occasions the city has hosted the finals, defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in 2025 before beating Machida Zelvia, also from Japan, in May.
The upcoming edition of the tournament, which features the domestic champions of the leading competitions from the region, will see the league phase expanded from 24 to 32 teams.
The qualifying rounds will start on August 11, with the draw for the league phase to be held in Kuala Lumpur on August 18 and play commencing on September 14.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli completed their back-to-back victories with a 1-0 win after extra time against Machida Zelvia, of the Japanese J1 League, in last year’s final.
Fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are the record winners of the competition with four wins from nine appearances in the final – which is also a record.
Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds and South Korea’s Pohang Steelers have each lifted the trophy twice, having both appeared in the final on three occasions.
