The Road to Jeddah

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - The competition now moves to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a centralized, "winner-takes-all" knockout sprint from April 16 to 25, 2026.

The draw has served up a tantalizing bracket. While the East Region powerhouses have already secured their spots, the West Region delayed by recent regional instability, will determine its final four representatives in Jeddah just days before the Quarter-finals begin.

Johor Darul Ta’zim: History was written in blue and red. Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) stunned the continent by becoming the first Malaysian club to reach the Elite Quarter-finals. Despite a narrow 1-0 loss in the second leg against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, their 3-2 aggregate victory has ignited a nation. Under Xisco Munoz, the Southern Tigers have proven they aren't just here to participate—they are here to compete.

Machida Zelvia: From the J2 League to the top eight of Asia in record time. FC Machida Zelvia's debut continental campaign has been nothing short of miraculous. Topping the East Zone league stage, they have played with a fearlessness that has left seasoned veterans like Ulsan HD and Shanghai Port in their wake.

Due to the restructuring of the West Zone fixtures, Jeddah will host a footballing marathon. The West's Round of 16 will be decided in single-leg "do-or-die" matches on April 13-14, immediately followed by the cross-regional Quarter-finals on April 16. It is an unprecedented test of endurance and depth.