The quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League 2026 have concluded, witnessing several major upsets that will ultimately determine the champion of this edition, the second to be held under the new format.
Al-Ahli, the defending champions, are still in contention and are the only remaining Saudi club in the competition after Al-Hilal were eliminated by Al-Sadd of Qatar, followed by Al-Ittihad against Machida Zelvia of Japan.
AFC Champions League 2026 Quarter-Final Results
The first surprise of the quarter-finals was the elimination of Al-Sadd, who had previously put on an epic performance against Al-Hilal, by Vissel Kobe. After a 3-3 draw in regulation and extra time, Al-Sadd were defeated 5-4 on penalties.
Al-Ahli managed to qualify for the semi-finals despite difficult circumstances against Johor Darul Ta’zim. Ali Majrashi was sent off in the first half, and the team trailed 1-0, but Riyad Mahrez and his teammates managed to come back with two goals and secure their place in the semi-finals.
The defeat of Al-Ittihad, despite the support of their fans at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, was undoubtedly a major surprise. The Jeddah-based club failed to equalize after conceding a goal in the first half, with Houssem Aouar and Youssef En-Nesyri both hitting the post.
After a thrilling match, Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai concluded the quarter-finals with a resounding 3-2 victory over Buriram United.
AFC Champions League 2026 Semi-Final Fixtures
Vissel Kobe will face Al-Ahli in a highly anticipated clash on Monday, April 20, 2026, with kickoff at 7:15 PM Mecca time.
On Tuesday, Machida Zelvia will play Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai at 8:15 PM Abu Dhabi time.
It is worth noting that both matches will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Al-Jawhara Stadium) in Jeddah, and Al-Ahli is expected to receive tremendous fan support when they face the Japanese giants.
AFC Champions League 2026 Semi-Finals
Al-Ahli vs. Vissel Kobe (Monday, April 20, 2026) 7:15 PM Mecca Time
Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai vs. Machida Zelvia (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) 8:15 PM Mecca Time
AFC Champions League 2026 Final Date
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Al-Jawhara Stadium) is scheduled to host the AFC Champions League 2026 Final between the winners of the Vissel Kobe vs. Al-Ahli and Machida Zelvia vs. Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai matches on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 7:15 PM Mecca Time.
