44 editions. 24 teams. Two regions. One trophy waiting in Jeddah on April 25, 2026. The AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26 is Asia’s biggest club football competition, and it is currently in the knockout stage.
The league stage wrapped up in February 2026 with Al-Hilal topping the West on 22 points and Machida Zelvia topping the East on 17.
The Round of 16 is now underway in the East Region, while the West Region ties remain postponed. Check the tables below for the latest standings after every completed matchday.
AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26 Points Table
The points tables below show the final league stage standings for both the West and East Regions. These tables reflect all results from the 8 completed matchdays and are updated as each round of fixtures is completed.
Here are the latest standings for both regions.
East Region Standings
Japan dominated the East Region league stage, placing three clubs in the top three positions. Machida Zelvia finished top in their debut AFC Champions League Elite season, while Shanghai Port finished bottom without a single win.
Here is the current East Region points table:
| Pos | Team | GP | W | D | L | F | A | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machida Zelvia (JPN) | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 7 | +8 | 17 |
| 2 | Vissel Kobe (JPN) | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 7 | +7 | 16 |
| 3 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 6 | +4 | 15 |
| 4 | Buriram United (THA) | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 8 | +2 | 14 |
| 5 | Melbourne City (AUS) | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 14 |
| 6 | Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 11 |
| 7 | FC Seoul (KOR) | 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 9 | +1 | 10 |
| 8 | Gangwon FC (KOR) | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 11 | -2 | 9 |
| 9 | Ulsan HD (KOR) | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | -2 | 9 |
| 10 | Chengdu Rongcheng (CHN) | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | -4 | 6 |
| 11 | Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 4 |
| 12 | Shanghai Port (CHN) | 8 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 11 | -9 | 4 |
The top 8 teams from the East Region have advanced to the Round of 16. The bottom 4 teams, Ulsan HD, Chengdu Rongcheng, Shanghai Shenhua, and Shanghai Port, are eliminated from the competition.
West Region Standings
Al-Hilal ran through the West Region league stage almost without challenge, winning 7 of their 8 games and finishing 5 points clear at the top. Saudi Arabia placed three clubs in the top four positions across the West.
Here is the current West Region points table:
| Pos | Team | GP | W | D | L | F | A | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Hilal (KSA) | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 6 | +11 | 22 |
| 2 | Al-Ahli (KSA) | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 9 | +12 | 17 |
| 3 | Tractor (IRN) | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 4 | +8 | 17 |
| 4 | Al-Ittihad (KSA) | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 22 | 9 | +13 | 15 |
| 5 | Al-Wahda (UAE) | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 7 | +4 | 14 |
| 6 | Shabab Al-Ahli (UAE) | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 11 |
| 7 | Al-Duhail (QAT) | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 8 |
| 8 | Al-Sadd (QAT) | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 16 | -4 | 8 |
| 9 | Sharjah (UAE) | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 16 | -8 | 8 |
| 10 | Al-Gharafa (QAT) | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 21 | -14 | 6 |
| 11 | Al-Shorta (IRQ) | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 20 | -14 | 5 |
| 12 | Nasaf (UZB) | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 9 | 17 | -8 | 4 |
The top 8 teams from the West Region have qualified for the Round of 16. However, all four West Region Round of 16 ties have been postponed by the AFC due to the ongoing impact of the Iran conflict. Dates for these matches are yet to be confirmed.
How the Points System Works
The AFC Champions League Elite uses a clear and simple points system across the league stage. Every match result directly affects where a team finishes in their regional table.
A win earns 3 points. A draw gives 1 point to each team. A loss earns 0 points. If two or more teams finish level on points, goal difference is the first tiebreaker, followed by total goals scored, then number of wins, then fair play ranking, and finally a drawing of lots if teams remain equal after all other criteria have been applied.
Qualification Rules
The top 8 teams from each regional league table qualified for the Round of 16. From the Round of 16, teams compete in two-legged ties within their region, with the higher-ranked league stage team playing the second leg at home.
Quarter-final winners advance to the semi-finals, and the two semi-final winners meet in the final on April 25. There is no third-place play-off. The tournament champion earns entry into the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite League stage if they have not already qualified through their domestic league performance.
Where to Check Live Updates
You can follow live standings, results, and updates for the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26 on the official AFC website and the AFC Champions League app. Major football platforms like Sofascore, FlashScore, and ESPN FC also carry live updates throughout every match.
Local broadcasters in each participating country carry live coverage of home team matches. The official AFC social media channels on Instagram, X, and YouTube post regular match highlights and table changes after every round of fixtures. Check back after each match for the latest standings update.
Related Reads:
Conclusion: Asia’s Club Football Race Heads to Jeddah
The AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26 league stage is done, the Round of 16 is underway, and the road to Jeddah is taking shape.
Al-Hilal looks the strongest side from the West, and Machida Zelvia has been the East’s biggest story. Check back regularly for updated Round of 16 results, quarter-final fixtures, and the latest news as the competition moves toward its April finale.
