Record 120 Clubs to Compete in Expanded 2025/26 CAF Champions League & Confederation Cup
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – A historic expansion of African club football was announced today, with a record 120 teams set to participate in the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. The declaration, made by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, signals a significant investment in and restructuring of the continent’s premier interclub competitions.
This marks the largest combined entry ever for CAF’s club tournaments, with 62 teams vying for the Champions League title and 58 battling for the Confederation Cup crown.The increased participation reflects CAF’s ambition to broaden the competitive landscape and provide more opportunities for clubs across Africa.
Financial Boost for Participating Clubs
In a move designed to support club growth, CAF has doubled financial support for teams in the Preliminary rounds, increasing the allocation from USD 50,000 to USD 100,000 per club. This increased funding is intended to alleviate travel and logistical burdens,notably for clubs from developing football nations.
Draw Details & Key Dates
the draw for the Preliminary Rounds will be held on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, at 13h00 local time (10h00 GMT) at the Azam Media Studios in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The event will be live-streamed on CAF’s official YouTube channel and broadcast on partner networks throughout Africa and globally.
A Field of Continental Giants & Rising Stars
The 2025/26 season promises a compelling mix of established powerhouses and ambitious newcomers.egyptian giants Al Ahly, boasting a record 11 Champions League titles, will return alongside defending champions Pyramids FC. Côte d’Ivoire will be represented by ASEC Mimosas and Stade Abidjan, while Algeria’s JS kabylie, Moroccan sides AS FAR and RS Berkane (the current Confederation Cup holders), and South African powerhouses Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will also compete.
The Confederation Cup will feature a strong challenge from Egyptian side Zamalek, alongside a diverse range of contenders.
Competition Schedule
Preliminary Round: september 19-21 & 26-28, 2025 (two-legged ties)
Second Preliminary Round: October 17-19 & 24-26, 2025 (two-legged ties)
Group Stage: Kicks off November 21, 2025
Knockout Stage: Begins March 13, 2026
historical Context & Future implications
the expansion of these tournaments builds upon CAF’s ongoing efforts to professionalize African club football. Previous iterations of the Champions League, formerly known as the African Champions cup, began in 1964.the Confederation Cup was established in 2004, providing a second tier of continental competition.
This latest restructuring,coupled with increased financial support,aims to elevate the overall quality of play,attract greater investment,and ultimately improve the competitiveness of African clubs on the global stage. The increased number of participating teams also provides a larger platform for player development and scouting opportunities.
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Note: This rewrite maintains all verifiable facts from the original article. It adds a breaking-news lead, organizes the information for better readability, and provides historical context to enhance its evergreen value. It also highlights the significance of the financial boost and the potential impact of the expansion on African football.
