Al-Hilal draw Arab rivals in AFC Champions League Elite league phase | OneFootball

Al-Hilal have drawn a run of regional clashes in the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite league phase, starting with an all-Arab opener against Al-Ain at Kingdom Arena.

According to Goal.com, Tuesday's draw confirmed eight fixtures for the league phase, split evenly between home and away.

Matchday one at Kingdom Arena is against Al-Ain of the UAE. Matchday two sends Al-Hilal to Al-Sadd of Qatar, before Shabab Al-Ahli of the UAE visit on matchday three.

An away trip to Neftchi of Uzbekistan follows on matchday four. Al-Gharafa of Qatar come to Kingdom Arena on matchday five, then it is Al-Wasl of the UAE away on matchday six, Al-Shamal of Qatar at home on matchday seven, and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan away on matchday eight.

The competition adopts a new format that groups clubs from each geographical region into four balanced tiers. The structure is designed to raise intensity and improve competitive balance, with every side facing two different opponents from each of the four tiers.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”