The Egyptian Professional Clubs Association has announced significant changes to the Egyptian Premier League fixture list for the championship phase, confirming that the highly anticipated Cairo derby between Al Ahly SC and Zamalek SC will now take place on 1 May.
The revised schedule affects only the title-deciding group, which includes Al Ahly, Zamalek, Pyramids FC, Al Masry SC, Smouha SC, ENPPI SC and Ceramica Cleopatra FC.
These teams are competing not only for the league title but also for qualification places in the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup.
The decision to adjust the calendar comes amid broader efforts to conclude the domestic season earlier than initially planned. League organisers are aiming for a 15 May finish, allowing the Egypt national football team to assemble ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, is a major focus for Egypt, with head coach Hossam Hassan reportedly seeking sufficient preparation time to ready his squad for the global competition.
As part of their preparations, Egypt will play two friendly matches during the current international break, facing Saudi Arabia national football team in Jeddah on 27 March, followed by a match against Spain national football team in Barcelona on 31 March.
Under the newly released timetable, the opening round of the championship group will begin on 6 April, instead of the previously planned 1 April start. Matches will then proceed across seven rounds, culminating in the final fixtures on 15 May.
Among the standout changes is the rescheduling of the Cairo derby, one of African football’s most prominent fixtures. The clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek, originally set for an earlier date, will now be played at Cairo Stadium on the evening of 1 May as part of the fifth round.
Other key fixtures in the revised calendar include Al Ahly’s meetings with Al Masry and Smouha, as well as a high-profile encounter between Pyramids and Zamalek in late April. The schedule also features multiple matches at major venues such as Borg El Arab Stadium, Cairo Stadium and the Air Defense Stadium.
While most match dates and kick-off times have been confirmed, some fixtures in the later rounds remain subject to final scheduling decisions, with exact timings to be announced.
The restructuring of the league calendar reflects the growing need to balance domestic competitions with international commitments, particularly in a year that includes the expanded World Cup. By bringing forward the conclusion of the league season, organisers hope to provide the national team with a competitive advantage through extended preparation time.
For clubs, however, the compressed schedule presents its own challenges, requiring careful squad management and consistent performances across a tightly packed run of matches.
As the title race intensifies, the revised timetable sets the stage for a decisive final stretch, with the Cairo derby on 1 May expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the championship.
