For the first time, five Saudi clubs will compete in the AFC Champions League Elite as the 2026-2027 league stage gets under way tomorrow: defending champions Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah.

The competition mixes clubs with long continental records and ambitious newcomers aiming to make their mark in Asia's top club tournament.

According to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the historic participation comes as the Kingdom tops the AFC club competitions ranking for a sixth straight season. This is the 24th edition of the modern era and features an enlarged league stage of 32 clubs, eight more than in the previous two editions.

Saudi Arabia is also set to host the final stages of the tournament for the 2026-2027, 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 seasons.