Saudi Arabia retains top spot in AFC club rankings

Al Ahli celebrates after successfully defending Asian Champions League Elite title.

JEDDAH, May 19: Saudi Arabia continued to lead the Asian Football Confederation’s latest rankings for men’s club competitions following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season.

According to the AFC, Saudi clubs topped the standings with 132.545 points, ahead of Japan in second place and South Korea in third.

Saudi Arabia’s position was strengthened by impressive results in both the AFC Champions League Elite and the AFC Champions League Two. Al Ahli successfully defended its continental crown last month, while Al Nassr finished runner-up in the AFC Champions League Two competition.

Japan secured second place with 120.410 points, helped by the strong campaign of Machida Zelvia, which ensured a seventh final appearance for a Japanese side in Asia’s premier club tournament.

South Korea claimed third place after Gangwon FC and FC Seoul both advanced to the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League Elite. Pohang Steelers also boosted the country’s tally by reaching the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Two.

Indonesia achieved the biggest improvement in the rankings, climbing five spots from 25th to 20th. The rise came largely thanks to Persib Bandung reaching the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League Two before exiting against Thailand’s Ratchaburi. Dewa United also contributed by reaching the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League.

Cambodia also enjoyed progress in the rankings after Phnom Penh Crown and Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng advanced to the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League. The latter eventually reached the final before losing to Kuwait Club.