Preliminary Round Draw for 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup Unveiled
The draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 preliminary rounds involves 56 clubs competing for a USD 4 million prize. Defending champions USM Alger and eight top-ranked clubs received byes into the second round.
Key takeaways
- A total of 56 clubs are competing in the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup preliminary stages.
- The eventual tournament winner will receive a USD 4 million prize, while eliminated preliminary clubs get USD 100,000 for logistics.
- First round matches begin in early September 2026, with the second round concluding in late October.
- Eight top-ranked clubs, including USM Alger and Al Ahly, have received byes into the Second Preliminary Round.
What Happened
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the draw for the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds on August 6, 2026. A total of 56 clubs were included in the selection, mapping out the route to the tournament's group stages. While 48 teams must compete in the initial two-legged ties, eight of the highest-ranked clubs received byes and will enter the competition during the Second Preliminary Round.
Among those receiving an automatic pass to the second stage are defending champions USM Alger and Moroccan side AS FAR. The tournament structure requires 24 winners from the first round to join the eight exempt teams to form a 32-club field for the second phase. The 16 victors from that round will then progress to the group stages of the competition.
Why It Matters
The tournament carries significant financial weight for African club football. The eventual champions will receive a USD 4 million prize. Recognizing the logistical burdens of continental travel, CAF has instituted a USD 100,000 solidarity payment for clubs that are eliminated during the preliminary stages to help offset their expenses.
Key Facts
- The First Preliminary Round opening legs take place September 4-6, with return legs September 11-13.
- Second Preliminary Round matches are scheduled for October 16-18 and October 23-25.
- USM Alger enters the competition as the defending champion, having won their second title last season.
- Al Ahly is set to face either Mogadishu CC (Somalia) or Kitara FC (Uganda) in the second round.
- Shooting Stars of Nigeria and Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien are among the clubs beginning in the opening round.
What Happens Next
Following the conclusion of the two preliminary rounds in late October, the 16 remaining teams will advance to the Group Stages. Clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, who reached the group stages in the previous season, will look to navigate potential second-round fixtures against either Zambia’s Red Arrows or FC Rouge from Madagascar.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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