In a move that reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a global sporting destination, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced today that Jeddah has been selected to host the final stages of the AFC Champions League for the 2025-2026 season. The competition will be held in a centralized format at two of the region's most prominent stadiums: King Abdullah Sports City (The Shining Jewel) and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City.
System details and deadlines
This decisive final stage will witness fierce competition between the top eight clubs in Asia who have reached the final rounds. A single-elimination format will be used, adding extra excitement to every minute of play. The competition schedule has been set as follows:
- Quarter-finals: to be held from 16 to 18 April 2026.
- Semi-finals: to be held on April 20 and 21, 2026.
- The final match: The tournament will conclude and the champion will be crowned on April 25, 2026.
Jeddah... the Asian sports capital
The selection of Jeddah to host the AFC Champions League finals for the second consecutive season is a clear indication of the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) strong confidence in the Kingdom's exceptional organizational capabilities. Following the resounding success of hosting the final of the previous edition, the Kingdom continues to reap the rewards of its massive investments in the sports sector, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , which has transformed the Kingdom into a stage for major international sporting events, from the FIFA Club World Cup to the Spanish and Italian Super Cups.
World-class infrastructure and preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup
This selection is not merely about hosting a single event, but rather part of a long-term strategic plan. King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City are cornerstones of the Kingdom's bid to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup . Hosting the elite finals provides an ideal opportunity to test the operational and logistical readiness of these facilities before the larger continental event that the Kingdom will host in early 2027.
These stadiums are distinguished by their world-class specifications, which guarantee an exceptional fan experience. The two cities will share hosting of the knockout stage matches, while the “Radiant Jewel” stadium will be the stage for the final match, reflecting the close and continuous cooperation between the Asian and Saudi Football Federations to raise the level of Asian football and provide a football product befitting the continent’s reputation.
