The 2023/24 AFC Champions League, where the best clubs from across Asia will compete for continental glory is going to be the tournament's 42nd edition.
As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the kickoff of this prestigious competition that showcases the region's finest football talents. With fierce rivalries, thrilling matches, and intense competition expected, the AFC Champions League promises to deliver unforgettable moments and determine which team will reign supreme in Asian club football.
The upcoming edition of the AFC Champions League introduces several changes, including an increased number of preliminary players with 35 registrations allowed. Teams will be permitted to field six foreign players, with one of them required to be from another Asian nation.
The campaign winner will secure a spot in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League through the qualifying play-off stage, unless they have already qualified domestically. Additionally, the victorious team will earn a qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
When is the AFC Champions League 2023/24?
For the first time since the 2002-03 season, the AFC Champions League has adopted an inter-year schedule, running from September (autumn-to-spring) instead of the previous intra-year schedule (spring-to-autumn).
- Qualifying: 8–22 August 2023
- Competition proper: 18 September 2023 – 18 May 2024
2023/24 AFC Champions League group stage teams by nation
West Region (5 groups)
- Saudi Arabia - Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Fayha
- Iran - Persepolis, Narssaji, Sepahan
- Qatar - Al-Sadd, Al-Duhail,
- Uzbekistan - Pekhtakor, Nasaf
- UAE - Al-Ain,
- Jordan - Al-Faisaly
- Tajikistan - Istikol
- Iraq - Al-Quwa
- Turkmenistan - Ahal Anew
- India - Mumbai City
- Bangladesh
- Oman
East Region (5 groups)
- South Korea - Ulsan Hyundai, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Pohang Steelers
- Japan - Yokohama F Marinos, Ventforet Kofu, Kawasaki Frontale
- China - Wuhan Three Towns, Shandong Taishan
- Thailand - Buriram United, Bangkok United
- Hong Kong - Kitchee
- Vietnam - Hanoi
- Philippines - Kaya-Iloilo
- Malaysia - Johor
- Australia - Melbourne City
- Singapore - Lion City
- Indonesia
Preliminary round
West Region
Team 1
- Shabab Al-Ahli
- Sharjah
- AGMK
Team 2
- Al-Wehdat
- Bashundhara Kings
- Al-Seeb
East Region
Team 1
-
BC Rangers
-
Lee Man
Team 2
- Haiphong
- Bali United