Australia misses out on additional slot in expanded Champions League

The AFC revealed that its Professional Football Committee approved modifications to the tournament, resulting in the 2026/27 version of the club competition expanding to 32 teams from the current 24, starting in September.

Japan holds three direct entries into the league stage, whereas Saudi Arabia possesses two plus an extra qualifying position.

Officials boosted Saudi Arabias secured spots to three, matching Japans level, and awarded both nations two more qualifying opportunities.

Clubs from Japan and Saudi Arabia have controlled the event since the introduction of the updated structure in 2024, with Al Ahli from the Saudi Pro League set to face Machida Zelvia from the J League in this weekends final.

This growth means the league stage in western and eastern Asia will each expand from 12 to 16 teams within the confederation, allowing the top eight from each to move on to the knockout phase next year.

The United Arab Emirates allocation rises to three direct entries alongside one qualifying spot, and Qatar receives three assured positions.

South Korea gains one extra qualifying place on top of their three existing direct spots, while Thailand sees its allocation jump from one to three guaranteed league stage places.

China keeps two direct entries but forfeits a qualifying spot following the failure of all three of their teams to reach the knockout stages in the ongoing tournament.

Australia receives an added qualifying spot to complement their single direct league phase entry, and both Jordan and Vietnam are awarded qualifying positions.

These choices await approval from the AFC executive committee.