Saudi Arabia, which hosted the last two Asian Champions League Elite finals, has been confirmed as the permanent host for the next three editions of the tournament. The Asian Football Confederation’s executive committee made the country's provisional hosting rights permanent, ensuring Saudi Arabia will continue to organize the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final in a centralized venue.

The competition was restructured before the 2024/2025 season, with Saudi Arabia hosting the first two editions since then. Jeddah-based club Al-Ahli won the title on both occasions the city hosted the finals, defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in 2025 and Machida Zelvia, also from Japan, in May 2026. Al-Ahli secured their back-to-back victories with a 1-0 win after extra time against Machida Zelvia in last year’s final.

The qualifying rounds for the upcoming tournament will begin on August 11, with the draw for the league phase scheduled in Kuala Lumpur on August 18. Play is set to commence on September 14.

Sources