Road to African glory begins as CAF set for Champions League and Confederation Cup draws today, Thursday

The race for African club football supremacy officially begins on Thursday as clubs across the continent discover their opening opponents in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds.

The Confederation Cup draw will take place first at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, at 14h00 local time (11h00 GMT), before attention shifts to the Champions League draw an hour later at 15h00 Cairo time (12h00 GMT).

The event marks the first major step in another season of continental competition, with participating clubs set to learn the route they must navigate in their quest for African silverware.

Both draws will be streamed live on CAF TV, allowing supporters across Africa and around the world to follow the beginning of the new Interclub campaign.

Champions League giants begin another continental chase

The CAF Champions League remains the biggest prize in African club football, bringing together the continent’s leading teams in a battle for supremacy.

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will begin the defence of their crown as clubs prepare for another demanding campaign filled with high-pressure encounters and long-distance battles.

The preliminary rounds have historically delivered some of the most unpredictable moments in CAF competitions, with established giants often facing determined challengers from emerging football nations.

For many clubs, the opening ties represent more than just qualification matches. They offer an opportunity to announce their arrival on the continental stage, attract attention and secure a place among Africa’s elite.

The Champions League winners will take home USD 6 million in prize money, making the competition not only a battle for prestige but also a significant financial opportunity for clubs.

Confederation Cup offers another route to continental success

The CAF Confederation Cup draw will also set the stage for clubs hoping to build a successful continental journey.

Last season’s champions USM Alger will be among the teams looking to defend their status, while other hopefuls aim to follow in their footsteps and lift Africa’s second-tier club trophy.

The competition has become a platform for clubs with ambitions of making a continental impact, producing memorable encounters between experienced sides and teams looking to establish themselves beyond domestic football.

The winners of the Confederation Cup will receive USD 4 million, underlining CAF’s continued efforts to increase the value and competitiveness of its club competitions.

CAF strengthens support for participating clubs

Beyond the prize money for champions, CAF has also introduced measures aimed at supporting teams involved in the preliminary stages.

Clubs eliminated during the early rounds will each receive a solidarity payment of USD 100,000, providing financial assistance to teams that invest significant resources in preparing for continental competition.

The initiative forms part of CAF’s wider commitment to strengthening its Interclub competitions and improving participation across the continent.

With clubs from different regions preparing to begin their campaigns, Thursday’s draws will provide the first glimpse of the challenges ahead and the potential matchups that could shape the 2026/27 African football season.

From traditional powerhouses chasing more glory to ambitious newcomers hoping to create history, the road to continental success starts in Cairo.