CAF Club Rankings 2026: Mamelodi Sundowns top Africa as North African giants dominate elite list

African football’s competitive hierarchy has been reshaped in the latest CAF club rankings for 2026, with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns sitting proudly at the summit of the continent.

The Betway Premiership champions lead the standings with 68 points, narrowly ahead of Egypt’s Al Ahly, who follow on 66 points after another strong continental campaign.

Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis complete the top three with 58 points, reinforcing North Africa’s long-standing dominance in club football.

Morocco’s RS Berkane (57 points) and Egypt’s Zamalek (49 points) round out the top five, while Pyramids FC (48 points) continue their steady rise among Africa’s elite.

Algerian giants USM Alger (47 points) sit seventh, just behind a competitive midfield cluster that also includes AS FAR (41), Al Hilal of Sudan (39), and Tanzania’s Simba SC (38), who share the spotlight with Algeria’s CR Belouizdad on the same points.

Further down the list, former African champions such as TP Mazembe and Orlando Pirates are placed 15th and 16th respectively, each on 20 points, highlighting the increasing parity in continental club football.

The rankings also reflect a widening competitive field, with clubs from Tanzania, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, and Botswana making notable appearances.

Teams like Young Africans (35 points), Wydad AC (32), and Rivers United (15) underline the growing reach of competitive football across the continent.

In the second half of the table, sides such as Kaizer Chiefs, Enyimba, and CS Sfaxien find themselves in lower positions than their historical reputations might suggest, while emerging clubs including Jwaneng Galaxy, Abu Salim SC, and Nouadhibou continue to gain experience on the continental stage.

At the bottom of the top 50, Medeama SC and Al Ittihad close out the rankings, reflecting the intense competition and fine margins that define African club football.

Overall, the 2026 CAF club rankings highlight both continuity and change — with established powerhouses maintaining their grip at the top, while ambitious challengers steadily close the gap across a rapidly evolving football landscape.