CAF Champions League 2026/27 preliminary draw explained as clubs learn qualification path

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has outlined the format for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League preliminary round draw, with 61 clubs set to compete for places in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

CAF received entries from 61 clubs across the continent, meaning three teams will be granted automatic byes to the second preliminary round to complete the 64-team structure required for the Round of 64.

The remaining 58 clubs will battle for 29 qualification places in the first preliminary round. The 29 winners will then join the three exempted sides to form the 32 teams that will compete in the second preliminary round, also known as the Round of 32.

The second preliminary round will determine which clubs advance towards the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

Five-level seeding system introduced

To ensure a balanced draw, CAF has divided the participating clubs into five levels based on rankings and previous continental performances.

Level 1: Africa’s top three ranked clubs

The three highest-ranked clubs will not participate in the first preliminary round.

They will enter the competition directly at the second preliminary round stage, where they will face winners emerging from Level 5 teams.

Level 2: Ten highest-ranked clubs

The 10 clubs placed in the second tier of the ranking system will compete in the preliminary rounds and will be drawn against teams from Level 5.

Level 3: Six ranked clubs

Teams in Level 3 will face Level 4 opponents in the first preliminary round.

Should they progress, they could face either Level 3 or Level 4 opposition in the second preliminary round.

Level 4: Six lowest-ranked clubs

The Level 4 teams will also be involved from the opening round and will be paired against Level 3 clubs.

If they advance, they may face another Level 3 or Level 4 side in the second preliminary round.

Level 5: 36 unranked clubs

The largest group consists of 36 unranked teams, who will be drawn against higher-ranked opponents throughout the two preliminary rounds.

Their challenge will be to overcome more experienced continental sides as they attempt to reach the group stage.

Road to the group stage begins

The preliminary round draw will determine the route each club must follow to reach the CAF Champions League group stage, with teams needing to navigate two knockout rounds before securing qualification.

The competition remains one of the biggest platforms for African clubs, offering opportunities for domestic champions and top-ranked sides to compete for continental glory and a share of CAF’s increased prize money structure.

The 2026/27 edition is expected to feature some of Africa’s biggest clubs as they begin their journey towards lifting the continent’s most prestigious club trophy.