The countdown to another thrilling season of African club football has officially begun, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirming that the Preliminary Round draws for the 2026/27.
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will take place on Thursday, August 6, 2026at the organisation’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The draw ceremony will mark the first major step on the road to continental glory, as clubs from every corner of Africa learn the identities of their opening opponents in the race to reach the lucrative group stages of the continent’s two elite club competitions.
Proceedings will begin with the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup draw at 14:00 Cairo time (15:00 East Africa Time/EAT; 11:00 GMT), before attention shifts to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League draw at 15:00 Cairo time (16:00 East Africa Time/EAT; 12:00 GMT).
Both events will be streamed live on CAF TV, allowing supporters around the world to witness the beginning of another highly anticipated interclub campaign.
The preliminary rounds are expected to produce fascinating encounters, with Africa’s traditional football powerhouses likely to be paired against ambitious clubs hoping to announce themselves on the continental stage.
Over the years, these opening rounds have delivered dramatic upsets, memorable performances and breakthrough stories that have shaped the competitions.
The stakes remain exceptionally high. CAF has confirmed that the winners of the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League will receive USD 6 million in prize money, while the champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will take home USD 4 million.
In addition, clubs eliminated during the preliminary rounds will each receive a USD 100,000 solidarity payment, reflecting CAF’s continued commitment to supporting participating clubs financially and strengthening football development across the continent.
The upcoming campaign also promises another chapter in the battle for continental supremacy, with Mamelodi Sundowns returning as defending champions of the CAF Champions League after lifting the trophy last season.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s USM Alger will begin the defence of their CAF Confederation Cup crown.
The draw is expected to attract significant attention from clubs, coaches and supporters alike, as the path towards the finals becomes clearer.
Every fixture will carry enormous importance, with qualification not only bringing prestige but also substantial financial rewards and the opportunity to compete against Africa’s finest clubs.
As anticipation builds, Thursday’s ceremony in Cairo will officially launch the journey towards crowning Africa’s next club champions, with dreams of continental success beginning the moment the first balls are drawn.
