**Saudi Arabia Confirmed to Host Asian Champions League Elite Finals for Next Three Editions**
Saudi Arabia has been officially designated as the host nation for the next three editions of the Asian Champions League Elite finals, following a decision made by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) executive committee. This announcement solidifies the kingdom's role in hosting the prestigious tournament, which has seen significant restructuring since the 2024/2025 season.
The AFC's decision comes after Saudi Arabia successfully hosted the first two editions of the event, which features a centralized format for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. The finals have been held in Jeddah, where the local club Al-Ahli has emerged as a dominant force. Al-Ahli secured back-to-back titles, triumphing over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in 2025 and defeating Machida Zelvia, also from Japan, in a closely contested final in May 2026.
The Asian Champions League Elite is a premier club competition in Asia, showcasing the top domestic champions from various leagues across the continent. The upcoming edition of the tournament will see an expansion of the league phase, increasing the number of participating teams from 24 to 32. This change aims to enhance the competitive nature of the tournament and provide more opportunities for clubs from different regions to participate.
The qualifying rounds for the next tournament are set to commence on August 11, with the draw for the league phase scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on August 18. Matches in the league phase are expected to kick off on September 14, 2026.
Al-Hilal, another prominent club in the Saudi Pro League, holds the record for the most titles in the competition, having won it four times in nine final appearances. Other notable clubs in the tournament's history include Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds and South Korea's Pohang Steelers, both of which have lifted the trophy twice.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the next three editions of the Asian Champions League Elite finals, the country continues to strengthen its position as a key player in the Asian football landscape. The successful organization of these tournaments is expected to attract significant attention from football fans and stakeholders alike, further promoting the sport within the region.