The Algerian Football Federation has officially confirmed the four clubs set to represent the nation in African interclub competitions for the 2025/2026 season, following a recent announcement by its Federal Bureau.
With three rounds remaining in the domestic league campaign, the race for final standings continues.
However, the identity of Algeria’s continental participants has already been determined, owing to a combination of championship results and cup fixtures.
The top two clubs in the league will secure qualification for the CAF Champions League, while the third-placed side will join the Algerian Cup winner in the CAF Confederation Cup.
This season’s Algerian Cup final will feature CR Belouizdad, currently third in the league, against USM Alger, who are sixth.
A clause within the Federation’s rules has paved the way for clarity: “The Federal Bureau may possibly engage the finalist club of the Algerian Cup, if the winner of the competition is already qualified for an interclub competition due to its ranking in the championship.”
With this in mind, USM Alger are assured a spot in the Confederation Cup, regardless of the cup final result, marking their fourth consecutive appearance in the competition.
This scenario has arisen because CR Belouizdad, their cup final opponent, are already positioned for continental qualification through the league table.
Despite the lack of finality in the title race and Champions League qualification, the pool of Algeria’s four continental representatives is now locked in.
Paradou AC and ES Sétif, both trailing the top three by ten points, are mathematically unable to catch up, thereby missing out on qualification.
As it stands, MC Alger, JS Kabylie, and CR Belouizdad are competing for the top two spots in the league, which offer entry into the Champions League.
The team finishing third will drop into the Confederation Cup alongside USM Alger.
The exact order of the podium, and thus the final distribution of Champions League and Confederation Cup slots, will be determined in the final weeks of the season.
However, with USMA’s place now secure due to the regulations governing cup finalists, Algeria’s quartet for CAF competitions has been settled ahead of schedule.
Fans will now watch closely as the final matchdays unfold, with not only silverware on the line but also prestige in representing Algerian football on the continental stage.
