CAF Confederation Cup: Group-stage fixtures confirmed for 2026-27 season

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the group-stage fixtures and schedule for the 2026-27 Confederation Cup, with the opening matches set to take place from 27 to 29 November.

The announcement sets the stage for six rounds of matches as clubs across the continent compete for a place in the knockout stages of Africa’s second-tier club competition.

Matchday two will be played from 4 to 6 December, before the teams return for the third round of fixtures between 18 and 20 December.

The group stage will resume in the new year, with matchday four scheduled for 8 to 10 January, followed by the fifth round from 15 to 17 January.

The final round of group-stage matches will take place from 22 to 24 January, when the remaining qualification places for the knockout stages are expected to be decided.

Four groups confirmed

The 16 clubs have been divided into four groups of four teams, setting up a series of continental contests involving representatives from several African football nations.

Group A features Egyptian giants Al Ahly FC, Moroccan side Raja Club Athletic, Togo’s ASKO de Kara and Angolan outfit CD 1º de Agosto.

Group B brings together Morocco’s AS FAR, Tanzania’s Azam FC, Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli and South Africa’s Durban City FC.

In Group C, DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union will face Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars and Zambia’s Red Arrows FC. The fourth team is listed in the published draw graphic as CR Belouizdad, AS Douanes de Mauritania and Hafia FC, although the combined entry requires clarification.

Group D comprises Algeria’s USM Alger, Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, Mozambique’s Black Bulls and Mali’s AS Real de Bamako.

A demanding schedule ahead

With matches spread across November, December and January, clubs will have to manage their domestic commitments alongside the demands of continental football.

The December fixtures will be particularly important, with teams playing two rounds of matches before the group stage pauses for the festive period.

The January double-header will then provide the decisive opportunity for clubs to strengthen their positions and secure progression to the next phase.

The six-match format will leave little room for error, particularly for teams that struggle to collect points in the opening rounds.

For clubs with ambitions of lifting the trophy, consistency across the group stage will be crucial as they attempt to navigate the competition and move closer to continental success.

2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup group-stage schedule

• 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

VAR to be used in both competitions

CAF has also confirmed that video assistant referee (VAR) technology will be used throughout the group stages of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

The decision will bring VAR into the group-stage matches of Africa’s premier club competitions, with the technology intended to assist match officials in reviewing key decisions.

The group stages will determine which clubs advance to the knockout rounds as the continent’s leading teams compete for the two titles.

The Champions League is Africa’s top club competition, while the Confederation Cup provides another route for clubs to compete for continental honours.

With the match schedule now confirmed, participating teams can begin preparations for a demanding run of fixtures across November, December and January.