Riyadh: Saudi football is set to open a new chapter in its continental presence tomorrow with the start of the league stage of the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite, featuring five Saudi clubs for the first time: Al-Ahli (defending champions), Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Qadsiah. The edition brings together clubs with established continental histories and ambitious sides seeking to write new chapters in Asia's premier club competition.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the historic Saudi participation comes as Saudi Arabia continues to lead the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) club competitions ranking for the sixth consecutive season. The current edition is the 24th in the competition's modern era and features an expanded league stage with 32 clubs, eight more than in the previous two editions.

The five clubs' participation also comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the final stages of the AFC Champions League Elite for the 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029 seasons.