CAF announces key dates for 2026/27 Champions League and Confederation Cup

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the full calendar for the 2026/27 Interclub competitions, giving South Africa’s four continental representatives a clearer picture of the road that awaits them in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

Defending African champions Mamelodi Sundowns headline the country’s challenge after ending their long wait for continental glory last season. Miguel Cardoso’s side will now attempt to achieve what no South African club has managed before by successfully defending the CAF Champions League crown.

Joining Sundowns in Africa’s premier club competition are Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates, who edged the Brazilians to the domestic title in the 2025/26 campaign. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs and Nedbank Cup winners Durban City will fly the South African flag in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Preliminary rounds begin in September

CAF’s schedule shows the preliminary rounds opening in September, although the governing body is yet to conduct the official draws.

The first preliminary round will be played over two weekends, with first-leg fixtures scheduled for 4-6 September 2026 before the return matches on 11-13 September.

The second preliminary round, where all remaining clubs enter the competitions, will follow a month later. First legs are set for 16-18 October, while the decisive second legs will take place on 23-25 October.

As Africa’s highest-ranked club, Sundowns are widely expected to receive a bye into the second preliminary round of the Champions League. Chiefs could also benefit from a similar advantage in the Confederation Cup based on the current club rankings, though CAF has yet to confirm the seedings.

Group stage stretches across festive period

The 16 clubs that survive the qualifying rounds will progress to the group stage, which begins on 27-29 November 2026.

Matchday two follows on 4-6 December, while the final round before the festive break is scheduled for 18-20 December.

The competition resumes after the New Year, with Matchday Four taking place on 8-10 January 2027, followed by Matchday Five on 15-17 January and the final group fixtures on 22-24 January.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals in both competitions.

Knockout race ends in May

The knockout phase begins with the quarter-finals, where first-leg ties will be staged on 26-28 February 2027, before the return fixtures on 5-7 March.

Semi-final first legs are scheduled for 9-11 April, with the decisive return matches taking place on 16-18 April.

CAF has reserved a window between 9 and 31 May 2027 for the Champions League and Confederation Cup finals but has yet to announce the exact dates, leaving flexibility in the calendar.

With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations set to kick off the following month in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the continental governing body is expected to conclude both club competitions before June.

CAF Interclub Competitions 2026/27

The Preliminary Rounds:

First Preliminary Round: 4-6 September 2026 (First Leg)

First Preliminary Round: 11-13 September 2026 (Second Leg)

Second Preliminary Round: 16-18 October 2026 (First Leg)

Second Preliminary Round: 23-25 October 2026 (Second Leg)

The Group Stage Fixtures have been scheduled as follows:

Matchday 1: 27-29 November 2026

Matchday 2: 4-6 December 2026

Matchday 3: 18-20 December 2026

Matchday 4: 8-10 January 2027

Matchday 5: 15-17 January 2027

Matchday 6: 22-24 January 2027

The Knockout Stage Fixtures:

Quarter-finals: 26-28 February 2027 (First Leg)

Quarter-finals: 5-7 March: 2027 (Second Leg)

Semi-finals: 9-11 April 2027 (First Leg)

Semi-finals: 16-18 April 2027 (Second Leg)

Finals: 9-31 May 2027