The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the full fixture calendar for the 2026/27 interclub competitions, setting the roadmap for clubs competing in next season’s CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
South Africa will have four representatives in continental competition, with reigning African champions Mamelodi Sundowns leading the country’s challenge after ending their wait for a second CAF Champions League title last season.
Miguel Cardoso’s side will be aiming to become the first South African club to successfully defend the Champions League crown.
Joining Sundowns in Africa’s premier club competition are Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates, while Kaizer Chiefs and Nedbank Cup winners Durban City will represent South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Preliminary rounds start in September
CAF confirmed that the preliminary rounds will begin in September, although the official draws have yet to be conducted.
The opening preliminary round will take place over two weekends, with first-leg matches scheduled for 4–6 September 2026 and the return fixtures from 11–13 September.
The second preliminary round follows in October, with first legs taking place on 16–18 October before the decisive second-leg matches on 23–25 October.
As Africa’s highest-ranked club, Mamelodi Sundowns are widely expected to receive a bye into the second preliminary round of the Champions League. Kaizer Chiefs could also benefit from a similar advantage in the Confederation Cup depending on CAF’s final seeding.
Group stage runs into January
The 16 teams that progress from the qualifying rounds will advance to the group stage, which begins on 27–29 November 2026.
The second round of fixtures follows on 4–6 December, before Matchday Three takes place on 18–20 December.
Following the festive break, the competition resumes with:
- Matchday Four: 8–10 January 2027
- Matchday Five: 15–17 January 2027
- Matchday Six: 22–24 January 2027
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.
Knockout stage concludes in May
The quarter-finals are scheduled for 26–28 February 2027, with the second legs taking place from 5–7 March.
The semi-finals will be played over two legs in April, with first-leg fixtures on 9–11 April and return matches on 16–18 April.
CAF has reserved the period between 9 and 31 May 2027 for the Champions League and Confederation Cup finals, although the governing body has yet to announce the exact dates.
The scheduling ensures both competitions conclude before the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
CAF Interclub Calendar 2026/27
Preliminary Rounds
- First Preliminary Round (First Leg): 4–6 September 2026
- First Preliminary Round (Second Leg): 11–13 September 2026
- Second Preliminary Round (First Leg): 16–18 October 2026
- Second Preliminary Round (Second Leg): 23–25 October 2026
Group Stage
- Matchday 1: 27–29 November 2026
- Matchday 2: 4–6 December 2026
- Matchday 3: 18–20 December 2026
- Matchday 4: 8–10 January 2027
- Matchday 5: 15–17 January 2027
- Matchday 6: 22–24 January 2027
Knockout Stage
- Quarter-finals (First Leg): 26–28 February 2027
- Quarter-finals (Second Leg): 5–7 March 2027
- Semi-finals (First Leg): 9–11 April 2027
- Semi-finals (Second Leg): 16–18 April 2027
- Finals: 9–31 May 2027
