The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the calendar for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, with the competitions set to begin in early September 2026.
According to the schedule, the tournaments will kick off between 4 and 6 September 2026, before the return legs are played one week later.
PRELIMINARY ROUND
The preliminary round will be played on a home-and-away basis:
First legs: 4–6 September 2026
Second legs: 11–13 September 2026
This stage will determine which teams progress to the next round of the competition.
SECOND ROUND
The second round, often decisive for many clubs from East and North Africa, will take place in October:
First legs: 16–18 October 2026
Second legs: 23–25 October 2026
This stage increases pressure significantly as teams fight for a place in the group stage.
GROUP STAGE
The group stage, which features Africa’s top clubs, will run from November 2026 to January 2027:
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
This stage determines which teams advance to the knockout rounds and which are eliminated.
KNOCKOUT STAGE
Quarter-Finals
First legs: 26–28 February 2027
Second legs: 5–7 March 2027
Semi-Finals
First legs: 9–11 April 2027
Second legs: 16–18 April 2027
At this stage, squad depth, experience, and tactical strength play a decisive role in the title race.
FINAL
The 2026/27 CAF final will be played between 9–31 May 2027.
CAF will later confirm whether the final will be a single match or two-legged tie, as well as the host venue.
Tanzanian champions Yanga SC (2025/26 Mainland Premier League winners) and rivals Simba SC will participate in the CAF Champions League, while Azam FC and Singida BS will represent Tanzania in the CAF Confederation Cup.
