The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League officially kicks off this Friday with the start of the Preliminary Round, marking a historic season with a record 62 clubs registered to compete in Africa’s premier club football competition.
The unprecedented participation underscores CAF’s commitment to expanding the competition and boosting the competitiveness of African football. To further ease the burden on clubs, CAF has introduced a new financial incentive: teams eliminated in the first two preliminary rounds will each receive USD 100,000 to help cover logistical expenses.
Most first-leg Preliminary Round fixtures will be played between 19–21 September, with the return legs scheduled for 26–28 September. Victorious clubs will advance to the Second Preliminary Round set for 17–19 October (first leg) and 24–26 October (second leg). The Group Stage will begin on 21 November, followed by the knockout phase starting 13 March 2026.
Several mouth-watering encounters await in the opening round. Moroccan champions and last season’s CAF Confederation Cup winners, RS Berkane, will take on ASC Kara of Togo. Last year’s semi-finalists, Orlando Pirates of South Africa, face Lesotho’s Lioli FC, while Zambia’s Power Dynamos are pitted against Ivorian giants Asec Mimosas.
CAF conducted the draw in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania last month, with fixtures promising to deliver drama and excitement from the outset.
The competition will be broadcast live across CAF’s official broadcast partners, with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and highlights available on CAF’s digital platforms, including its official YouTube channel, CAF TV.
With increased financial support, record participation, and thrilling matchups on the horizon, the 2025/26 season is set to reinforce the CAF Champions League’s status as the pinnacle of African club football.
