The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that prize money for its two flagship club competitions, the African Champions League and the Confederation Cup, will remain unchanged for the 2026–2027 season.
In an official statement released on Thursday, CAF said there would be no increase in financial rewards compared to the previous campaign. The governing body maintained that the Champions League winner will receive 6 million US dollars, while the Confederation Cup champions will be awarded 4 million US dollars.
This means prize money levels remain at the same value for a second consecutive season, with no adjustments introduced for the new campaign.
The announcement comes as clubs across the continent prepare for another edition of CAF’s premier tournaments, which continue to attract some of Africa’s strongest sides.
In the current season, Egyptian clubs Pyramids FC and Zamalek SC are competing in the African Champions League, while Al Ahly SC and Ceramica Cleopatra FC are participating in the Confederation Cup.
CAF also used the announcement to confirm the full calendar for the 2026–2027 club competitions, detailing the preliminary rounds, group stage fixtures and knockout phases.
Season begins in September 2026
The new campaign will begin with the first preliminary round between 4 and 6 September 2026, with return legs scheduled from 11 to 13 September 2026.
The second preliminary round will follow in October, with first-leg matches set for 16 to 18 October 2026 and second-leg fixtures taking place from 23 to 25 October 2026.
Once the qualifying rounds are completed, the group stage for both competitions is scheduled to begin at the end of November 2026.
CAF has outlined a structured schedule for the group phase, with matches spread across several months to accommodate continental travel and domestic league commitments.
Group stage fixtures confirmed
The group stage will open with Matchday 1 between 27 and 29 November 2026. Matchday 2 will follow from 4 to 6 December 2026, before a third round of fixtures between 18 and 20 December 2026.
After a short break, competition resumes in the new year with Matchday 4 scheduled for 8 to 10 January 2027. Matchday 5 will take place from 15 to 17 January, followed by the final group matches between 22 and 24 January 2027.
The schedule ensures that teams will complete the group stage by late January before progressing to the knockout rounds.
Knockout phase and final dates
The quarter-finals are set for 26 to 28 February 2027, with return legs scheduled for 5 to 7 March 2027.
The final of both competitions is scheduled for May 2027, with CAF setting a window between 9 and 31 May for the decisive matches.
The announcement provides clubs with a clear roadmap for the upcoming season, even as financial rewards remain unchanged at the top level of African club football.
