In the 2025-26 ACL Elite Group Stage Draw, all 3 Chinese representatives (Shanghai Port, Shanghai Shenhua, Chengdu Rongcheng) will face 8 rivals as follows: Group E: Ulsan HD (Korea Republic), Johor Darul Ta’zim (Malaysia), FC Seoul (Korea Republic), Gangwon FC (Korea Republic)

Group F: Buriram United (Thailand), Vissel Kobe (Japan), Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Japan), Machida Zelvia (Japan)