CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 preliminary draw explained as 56 clubs battle for group stage places

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the structure for the preliminary rounds of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, with 56 clubs set to compete for places in the group stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition.

CAF received 56 entries for the upcoming tournament, leaving the organising body to create a qualification pathway that will eventually produce the 32 teams required for the second preliminary round, also known as the Round of 32.

Because the Round of 64 format requires 64 teams, eight clubs will be granted automatic byes and will skip the opening preliminary round. These exempted teams will join the competition at the second preliminary stage.

The remaining 48 clubs will compete in the first preliminary round, with the winners securing the 24 available qualification slots. Those 24 successful teams will then join the eight exempted sides to complete the 32-team lineup for the Round of 32.

CAF has divided the participating clubs into three levels based on ranking and status.

How the preliminary round structure works

Level 1: Eight top-ranked clubs

The eight highest-ranked teams have been exempted from the first preliminary round and will enter the competition at the Round of 32 stage.

These clubs will face winners from Level 3 during the second preliminary round as they begin their journey towards the group stage.

Level 2: Eight ranked clubs

The next eight ranked teams will participate from the opening preliminary rounds and will be drawn against clubs from Level 3.

They will have to negotiate the early stages of the competition before reaching the group stage.

Level 3: Forty non-ranked clubs

The largest group consists of 40 non-ranked teams who will compete in the preliminary rounds.

These clubs will be drawn against opponents from either Level 1 or Level 2, providing them with the opportunity to eliminate more established sides and advance in the tournament.

Road to the Confederation Cup group stage

The preliminary draw will determine the path each club must follow to reach the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

Teams will need to overcome two rounds of qualifying before joining the continent’s elite clubs in the main phase of the competition.

The Confederation Cup remains one of Africa’s most prestigious club tournaments, offering clubs across the continent the chance to compete internationally and secure continental honours.

With the new qualification format, clubs from different footballing backgrounds will compete for limited places as they aim to reach the group stage and continue their continental ambitions.