Several of Africa’s biggest clubs have been granted exemptions from the opening preliminary rounds of the 2026/27 CAF interclub competitions, according to reports.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finalised the list of teams that will avoid the first preliminary round of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup ahead of the new continental campaign.
In the Champions League, only three clubs will skip the opening stage.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Morocco’s Renaissance Sportive de Berkane have all been handed a bye and will enter the competition at the second preliminary round.
The decision means the three clubs, regarded among the strongest teams on the continent in recent seasons, will not participate in the first round of qualifiers.
Moroccan publication Al Botola reported that the trio are the only teams to receive exemptions in the Champions League.
Sundowns have established themselves as one of Africa’s dominant forces, while Espérance and Berkane have also enjoyed consistent success in CAF competitions.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, eight clubs have been granted similar treatment and will begin their campaigns from the second preliminary round.
The exempted teams are Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Algeria’s USM Alger and CR Belouizdad, Morocco’s AS FAR and Raja Club Athletic, Democratic Republic of Congo side Maniema Union, Republic of Congo club AS Otohô and Tanzania’s Azam FC.
CAF-affiliated journalist Micky Jnr reported that these eight teams will avoid the first stage of qualification and move directly into the next round.
The exemptions provide the clubs with additional preparation time before entering the continental competitions, while also reflecting their recent performances and standing within African football.
The draws for the preliminary rounds of both competitions will be held at CAF headquarters in Cairo on Thursday, 6 August.
The first preliminary round of the Confederation Cup is scheduled to begin in September, with first-leg matches taking place from 4-6 September 2026 and return fixtures from 11-13 September.
The second preliminary round will follow in October, with first-leg games scheduled between 16-18 October and second-leg matches from 23-25 October.
The group stage of the Confederation Cup is expected to run from 27 November 2026 until 24 January 2027.
The knockout stages will begin in early 2027, with quarter-final first legs scheduled for 26-28 February and return legs from 5-7 March.
The semi-finals will take place in April, with first-leg matches set for 9-11 April and second-leg fixtures from 16-18 April.
The final is scheduled for 31 May 2027.
