CAF registration window closes for 2026-27 Champions League and Confederation Cup

The registration window for the first preliminary round of the 2026-27 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup has officially closed, marking the next step towards the start of the new African club competition season.

Clubs participating in the opening preliminary round were required to complete the registration process within the deadline set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

However, several of Africa’s leading clubs have no reason for concern after being exempted from the first preliminary round.

Teams including Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Raja Casablanca, Espérance de Tunis and Azam FC are among the clubs that will not be involved in the opening stage of the competition.

Instead, the big clubs will enter the continental competitions at the next round, giving them more time to prepare for their respective campaigns.

The exemptions mean the likes of South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, Moroccan side Raja Casablanca and Tunisian powerhouse Espérance will avoid the additional fixtures associated with the first preliminary round.

For the clubs entering at the next stage, the focus will now shift towards completing their preparations, finalising squads and ensuring their players are properly registered ahead of their first CAF matches of the season.

The first preliminary round will provide the opening competitive test for a number of clubs hoping to progress deep into Africa’s premier club competitions.

Those who successfully negotiate the opening round will advance to face the teams entering at the next stage, setting up potentially high-profile encounters as the Champions League and Confederation Cup begin to take shape.

CAF’s registration deadline also means clubs can now turn their attention to the final stages of preparation as the continent’s new club football season approaches.

The Champions League remains Africa’s leading club competition, while the Confederation Cup offers another route to continental silverware for clubs from across the continent.

With the registration window now closed, attention will turn to the fixtures and the opening preliminary-round ties before the competition welcomes the exempted clubs at the next stage.