CAF confirms August 9 draw for 2025-2026 Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminary rounds

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially scheduled the draw for the preliminary rounds of the 2025-2026 Champions League and Confederation Cup for Saturday, 9 August in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The draw event will begin at 11:00 local time, with the Confederation Cup proceedings to be conducted first, followed immediately by the Champions League. Football fans across the continent and beyond will be able to follow the ceremony live on CAF’s official YouTube channel.

This announcement marks the start of the journey for dozens of clubs across Africa aiming to secure a place on the continental stage, with the opening rounds of both tournaments set to be played later in September. The first-leg fixtures of the preliminary round are scheduled for 19–21 September, while the return legs are slated for 26–28 September.

Tunisia will once again be strongly represented in both competitions. In the CAF Champions League, Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Union Sportive Monastirienne will carry the nation’s hopes.

Espérance, a regular fixture in African club competitions and a four-time winner of the Champions League, will be looking to reassert their dominance on the continent. US Monastir, a team that has gained significant momentum in recent years, will also aim to make a lasting impact.

Meanwhile, in the CAF Confederation Cup, Etoile du Sahel and Stade Tunisien are set to represent Tunisia. Etoile du Sahel, one of North Africa’s most decorated sides and a past winner of both CAF club competitions, will be expected to mount a strong challenge. Stade Tunisien, with their re-entry into continental football, will look to make a mark in what promises to be a highly competitive edition of the tournament.

CAF’s draw ceremony in Dar es Salaam not only sets the tone for the new campaign but also signals the continued efforts by the confederation to bring transparency and anticipation to African club competitions. By hosting the draw in Tanzania and ensuring a live broadcast, CAF aims to engage a wider audience and foster greater interest in the early phases of its flagship tournaments.

The preliminary round represents the first hurdle in a long and demanding path that culminates in the finals, where the best clubs on the continent will battle for the ultimate honours in African football. The draw will determine the matchups that could set the tone for surprise eliminations, regional derbies, and potential breakthroughs for lesser-known clubs.

As teams across Africa prepare for the challenge ahead, attention will turn to Dar es Salaam on 9 August, where the road to continental glory will officially begin.