In a move that underscores the prestigious position Saudi Arabia has attained on the global and continental sports map, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officially announced its renewed confidence in the Kingdom, granting Jeddah the right to host the final stages of the AFC Champions League for the 2025–2026 season. This decision comes as a culmination of the resounding success of the inaugural 2024–2025 edition, which saw Al-Ahli crowned champions, further solidifying the AFC's confidence in the Saudi Arabian football community's ability to organize major events to the highest professional standards.
The final stages of the competition are scheduled to be held in a centralized format, with King Abdullah Sports City (The Shining Jewel) and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City hosting the decisive matches. This stage will witness fierce competition among the top eight clubs in Asia who have reached the final rounds, with matches played as single-elimination ties, adding an element of excitement and competitiveness to the tournament.
According to the approved schedule, the quarter-final matches will take place from April 16 to 18, 2026, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals scheduled for April 20 and 21. Football fans will then be treated to the final match on April 25, 2026, where the Asian champion will be crowned in the heart of Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea.
The selection of Jeddah for the second consecutive season carries profound implications that extend beyond mere sporting organization. It reflects the success of the Kingdom's strategy to invest in sports infrastructure within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global destination for major events. This decision also underscores the depth of the strategic partnership between the Saudi and Asian Football Federations and their shared commitment to elevating Asian football and promoting it globally by providing an ideal competitive environment and world-class facilities.
In terms of future preparations, hosting these finals serves as a true and high-level "dress rehearsal" for the bigger event, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City are key pillars of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the continental championship. Hosting the AFC Champions League finals provides an ideal opportunity to test operational readiness, crowd management, and logistics, ensuring a historic edition of the Asian Cup in early 2027.
