Eight clubs receive byes as CAF confirms 2026/27 Confederation Cup second preliminary round entrants

Eight clubs have been granted byes and will skip the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, with their continental campaigns set to begin at the second preliminary round stage.

The decision means the clubs will avoid the opening phase of the competition and will only enter the tournament when the second preliminary round gets underway.

Among the teams benefiting from the bye are some of Africa’s biggest and most successful clubs, including Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC, Algerian side USM Alger, and Moroccan heavyweights AS FAR and Raja CA.

The full list of clubs receiving byes includes:

• Al Ahly
• USM Alger
• AS FAR
• CR Belouizdad
• Raja Casablanca
• AS Maniema Union
• AS Otohô
• Azam FC

The qualification pathway will allow these eight teams additional preparation time before beginning their Confederation Cup campaigns, while clubs involved in the first preliminary round will battle for progression into the next stage.

Al Ahly, USM Alger, AS FAR, CR Belouizdad and Raja Casablanca bring significant continental experience to the competition, having featured regularly in CAF tournaments and enjoyed success on the African stage.

Tanzanian outfit Azam FC, Congolese side AS Maniema Union and Congo’s AS Otohô will also benefit from the extra rest period as they prepare for their second preliminary round fixtures.

The 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup is expected to attract strong competition from across the continent, with clubs aiming to secure one of Africa’s most prestigious club trophies.

The second preliminary round will mark the beginning of the journey for the eight exempted teams as they look to advance deeper into the tournament and challenge for continental glory.