AFC Champions League Elite Teams Ready for League Stage Draw

The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 is set to take off following the league stage draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The competition has been expanded to 32 teams, promising highly exciting battles.

Teams Share Their Expectations

Team representatives from various clubs shared their thoughts on the draw. Nigel Boogaard, General Manager of Newcastle Jets FC, expressed his team's excitement about returning to the stage. He stated that they have an exciting bunch of players and coaching staff who believe in their mission to challenge the best clubs in Asia.

Matthias Brosamer, Sporting General Manager of Beijing FC, said that the draw is very good for his team and they are excited about every single match. He acknowledged that it will be a challenge to play in diverse places, but that's football and they will learn from it.

Challenges Ahead

Namkon Cho, Team Media Officer of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, noted that the away trips will be manageable, but they need to prepare well and do their best during the competition. Chonchanok Chidchob, Vice CEO of Buriram United, set a target to do better than last season and aim to get to the quarter-finals again.

Rashid Essa Aldosari, Executive Director of Al Gharafa SC, stated that the competition will be amazing and competitive with 32 teams. He acknowledged that it's really difficult to balance between domestic and continental matches, but they are determined to manage it well this season.

Teams Face Strong Opponents

Adel Ahmad Abdallah, Team Media Officer of Shabab Al Ahli, noted that all teams are very strong and they will face three teams from Saudi Arabia. He stated that the advantage is that the format is home and away, and they will try to make the most of their matches at home.

Zokhidjon Gofurov, CEO of PFC Neftchi, said that the draw ceremony was a great experience for his club and they will try to make sure that they get to take part in this competition every year. Bekhzod Nazarov, Team Media Officer of Pakhtakor FC, expressed his team's excitement to play against big teams and show their quality.

League Stage Draw Details