Prepare to be the 12th man, Jeddawis, because AFC Champions League Elite Jeddah 2026 finals have just been confirmed.
The Asian Football Confederation officially confirmed that not one, but two iconic stadiums will be once again serving as the battleground for the final seven matches of the championship.
The April showdown will feature a single-leg knockout format with Asia’s top eight clubs descending over Jeddah for the ultimate glory.
Want more excitement? According to Saudi Gazette, the schedule for the quarter, semi, and finals have also dropped.
So, prepare to rep your club with passion. Here is everything to know about the returning championship finals.
AFC Champions League Elite Jeddah 2026 finals
The AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) is Asia’s biggest club football showdown, bringing together the very best teams from across the continent. Organised by the Asian Football Confederation, it’s where national league champions (and top runners-up) battle it out for continental glory, and ultimate bragging rights as Asia’s most elite club. There is also the USD12 million prize for the winning team that will pair well with the bragging rights.
The tournament features 24 top teams split between East and West, all chasing a spot on the global stage. Win the ACL Elite and you punch your ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup. Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal leads the history books with four titles, while Al-Ahli are the reigning champions after a confident 2–0 win over Kawasaki Frontale in the 2025 final.
AFC Champions League Elite Jeddah 2026 finals location
The finals will light up the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium with the chants and cheers of fans all through April 2026.
AFC Champions League Elite Jeddah 2026 finals dates
The action heats up with the quarter-finals taking place from Thursday April 16 to Saturday, April 18, leading into the semi-finals on Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21, before everything comes to a thrilling finale on Saturday, April 25.
AFC Champions League Elite Jeddah 2026 finals tickets
Tickets for championship finals will drop closer to April, 2026. Check back with Destination KSA to learn when that is.
What to expect at the AFC Champions League Elite Jeddah 2026 finals
With just two matchdays left in the League Stage, the race is heating up. In the East, Japan’s Vissel Kobe are setting the pace with 13 points, while in the West, Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal SFC are cruising at the top after a flawless run of six wins from six matches.
All eyes turn to Wednesday, March 25, when the draw for the final eight will reveal the road to the ACL Elite Finals Jeddah 2026.
Football in Saudi
The two stadiums will also play host for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The Kingdom won the FIFA World Cup in 2034 bid and has been preparing for largest sporting competition to arrive in Saudi.
Thu Apr 16-Sat Apr 25. King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, Jeddah, the-afc.com.
