CAF 2026/2027: clubs exempted from the first preliminary round revealed

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finalized, according to several reliable sources, the list of clubs exempted from the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026-2027 season.

According to Moroccan outlet “Al Botola”, only three clubs will be granted a bye for the opening round of the Champions League. These are Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), and Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (Morocco).

For the Confederation Cup, CAF insider journalist Micky Jnr reveals that eight clubs have been exempted from the first preliminary round: Al Ahly (Egypt), USM Alger (Algeria), AS FAR (Morocco), CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Raja Club Athletic (Morocco), Maniema Union (Democratic Republic of Congo), AS Otohô (Republic of Congo), and Azam FC (Tanzania).

Meanwhile, CAF headquarters in Cairo will host the draw for both preliminary rounds of the African interclub competitions on Thursday, August 6.

CAF 2026-2027 competition schedule

• First preliminary round
  
  First legs: September 4–6, 2026
  Second legs: September 11–13, 2026
  
• Second preliminary round
  
  First legs: October 16–18, 2026
  Second legs: October 23–25, 2026
  
• Group stage
  
  The group stage will run from November 27, 2026, to January 24, 2027.
  
• Knockout stage
  
  Quarter-finals
  First legs: February 26–28, 2027
  Second legs: March 5–7, 2027
  
  Semi-finals
  First legs: April 9–11, 2027
  Second legs: April 16–18, 2027
  
  Final
  May 31, 2027

CAF interclub competitions: preliminary draw set for August 6 in Cairo

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.

Related teams and leagues

CAF Champions League

CAF Confederation Cup