The Evolution of the AFC Cup: From Continental Secondary Tier to Champions League Two
Berlin, 11 February 2026 — The landscape of Asian club football has undergone its most significant transformation in decades. As the 2025/26 continental season reaches its business end this week, the legacy of the former AFC Cup continues to shape the new era of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2). While the “AFC Cup” branding was officially retired following the 2023/24 season, its history remains the foundation for emerging nations across the Asian Football Confederation.
The Legacy of the AFC Cup (2004–2024)
Launched in 2004, the AFC Cup was designed as a competition for “developing nations” within the AFC’s member associations. For twenty years, it provided a vital platform for clubs from nations like Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, and Uzbekistan to compete on the international stage, separate from the elite giants of Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
Most Successful Clubs
Before the competition was rebranded and restructured, two clubs stood at the pinnacle of the AFC Cup history books. Kuwait’s Al-Kuwait and Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya share the record for the most titles, having each secured the trophy three times. Other notable winners include Jordan’s Al-Faisaly and Syria’s Al-Jaish, the latter winning the inaugural tournament in 2004 on away goals after a 3–3 aggregate draw.
Transition to AFC Champions League Two
Starting with the current 2024/25 and 2025/26 cycles, the AFC Cup has been replaced by the AFC Champions League Two. This serves as the second tier of Asian club football, positioned below the AFC Champions League Elite. The restructuring aims to increase the commercial value of the tournament and provide more rigorous competition for mid-tier clubs.
Current 2025/26 Season Highlights
As of February 2026, the continental season is in full swing. Recent Matchday 7 results in the Elite tier have seen Al-Ittihad dominate Al-Gharafa 7-0, but the secondary tier (the spiritual successor to the AFC Cup) continues to provide a pathway for clubs like Buriram United and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to test their mettle against regional rivals. JDT recently suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Sanfrecce Hiroshima, highlighting the narrowing gap between Southeast Asian clubs and the traditional powerhouses of the J-League.
Historical Winners of the AFC Cup Era
The following table outlines the final years of the AFC Cup before its transition into the current tiered system.
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Al Seeb (OMA) | Kuala Lumpur City (MAS) | 3–0 |
| 2021 | Al-Muharraq (BHR) | Nasaf Qarshi (UZB) | 3–0 |
| 2019 | Al-Ahed (LBN) | April 25 (PRK) | 1–0 |
| 2018 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (IRQ) | Altyn Asyr (TKM) | 2–0 |
| 2017 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (IRQ) | Istiklol (TJK) | 1–0 |
Future Outlook: The 2031 Asian Cup and Beyond
The AFC’s vision extends beyond club football. Recent reports confirm that India is among six bidders vying to host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup. This move is seen as a strategic attempt to revitalise football in the South Asian region, following the successful expansion of the tournament format which now sees 24 nations competing for the senior continental crown.
Futsal and Youth Development
The AFC’s influence continues to grow in other sectors. The 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup is currently a major focus, with Indonesia aiming for their first title on home soil. Meanwhile, the draw for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup has seen South Korea assigned to the top seed, ensuring the next generation of talent has a structured pathway to professional continental football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to the AFC Cup?
The AFC Cup was discontinued after the 2023/24 season. It has been replaced by the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) as part of a major restructuring of Asian club competitions.
Who has won the most AFC Cup titles?
Al-Kuwait (Kuwait) and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Iraq) are the most successful clubs in the competition’s history, with three titles each.
Is there a third tier in Asian club football?
Yes, alongside the Champions League Elite and Champions League Two, the AFC introduced the AFC Challenge League, which serves as the third tier for clubs from lower-ranked associations.
When is the next AFC Asian Cup?
While the club competitions run annually, the next senior men’s AFC Asian Cup hosting rights for 2031 are currently being contested, with India confirmed as one of the six official bidders.