ISL Clubs Remain in ACL 2 as AFC Expands Elite Competition for Asia’s Top Leagues
Indian Super League (ISL) clubs will continue to compete in the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2) for the upcoming season, even as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) moves forward with a significant expansion of its premier club competition, the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite).
The latest structural changes, announced by the AFC’s Professional Football Committee, underline a widening competitive gap between Asia’s top leagues and developing football nations like India. Under the current allocation, the ISL champion will secure a direct group stage berth in ACL 2, while the Super Cup winner FC Goa will enter through the playoff route. Despite consistent domestic growth and increasing competitiveness within Indian football, the pathway to the top-tier ACL Elite remains out of reach for Indian clubs.
The AFC’s revamped structure for the 2026–27 season will see the ACL Elite expand from 24 to 32 teams, with the league phase scheduled to begin in September. This expansion, however, has largely benefited the continent’s most dominant footballing nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and Japan. Both countries have seen their allocations increase significantly. Saudi Arabia will now have three direct entries into the league phase, along with two additional playoff spots. Japan’s clubs will enjoy a similar structure, reflecting the strength and consistency of their domestic leagues and their performances in continental competitions.
The dominance of clubs from these regions has been evident since the introduction of the new competition format in 2024. Teams from the Saudi Pro League and Japan’s J-League have consistently progressed deep into the tournament, reinforcing their position at the top of Asian club football. The latest final, featuring Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia and Machida Zelvia of Japan, further highlights this trend. Beyond Saudi Arabia and Japan, other leagues have also benefited from increased allocations. The United Arab Emirates now holds three automatic berths along with a playoff slot, while Qatar has been granted three direct entries. South Korea, another traditional powerhouse, retains three confirmed places with an additional playoff opportunity.
Thailand has emerged as one of the biggest gainers, with its quota increasing from one to three guaranteed league phase spots. This reflects both improved domestic infrastructure and stronger performances at the continental level. In contrast, China’s allocation has been adjusted downward. While it retains two automatic berths, it has lost a playoff slot following underwhelming performances by its clubs, none of which advanced to the knockout stages in the current edition. This adjustment signals a performance-based approach to slot allocation, where recent results influence future representation.
Australia has also seen a marginal increase, gaining an additional playoff slot alongside its existing direct entry. Emerging football markets such as Jordan and Vietnam have been included with playoff opportunities, indicating the AFC’s attempt to broaden participation while maintaining a performance hierarchy. Despite these widespread changes, India’s position remains unchanged. ISL clubs will continue to compete in ACL 2, the second-tier continental competition introduced as part of the AFC’s restructuring. While this ensures continued international exposure, it also highlights the gap that still exists between Indian clubs and the continent’s elite.
From a competitive standpoint, ACL 2 offers Indian clubs a realistic platform to achieve success and gain experience. The level of competition, while strong, is more aligned with the current capabilities of ISL teams. However, the absence of a pathway to ACL Elite underscores the need for further development in multiple areas. Key factors influencing continental representation include club performance, league strength, infrastructure, and overall football ecosystem. While the ISL has made progress in terms of organisation and visibility, translating that into consistent results at the continental level remains a challenge.
The expansion of ACL Elite also introduces a more demanding format. The league phase in both the West and East zones will increase from 12 to 16 teams, with the top eight progressing to the knockout rounds. This structure not only raises the number of matches but also increases the level of competition, requiring deeper squads and greater tactical adaptability. For Indian football, the current scenario presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While immediate access to ACL Elite remains limited, consistent performances in ACL 2 could strengthen the case for future inclusion. Success at the second-tier level would demonstrate competitiveness and potentially influence future allocation decisions.
The case of other nations, such as Thailand, illustrates how sustained improvement can lead to increased representation. Their rise in allocation is a direct result of both domestic progress and continental performances.For ISL clubs, the focus will now be on maximising their opportunities within ACL 2. FC Goa’s playoff entry and the ISL champion’s direct qualification provide a platform to build credibility. Strong performances could not only enhance the reputation of Indian clubs but also contribute to the broader growth of the sport in the country.
At a structural level, the AFC’s decisions reflect a clear emphasis on rewarding performance and strengthening elite competition. While this approach benefits top-performing leagues, it also creates a more competitive pathway for others aiming to reach that level. As the 2026–27 season approaches, the gap between Asia’s elite clubs and developing leagues remains evident. For India, bridging that gap will require sustained progress, both on and off the field.
For now, ACL 2 remains the stage for Indian clubs but the long-term objective will be to move beyond it.
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