CAF to hold Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminary round draws in August

Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to conduct the official draw for next season’s CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The draw has been scheduled for August 2026, with Morocco expected to host the much-anticipated draw, where clubs will get to know their opponents for the preliminary round of matches.

The decision underlines CAF’s continued preference for Morocco as a host nation for major football events, driven by the country’s modern infrastructure, organizational stability, and recent track record in staging continental tournaments.

The draw will determine the preliminary round fixtures for both competitions, which are scheduled to begin on September 4. Holding the ceremony in advance is intended to give participating clubs sufficient time to prepare for the demanding continental campaign.

Among the clubs expected to feature in the new season are Egyptian giants Zamalek SC and Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League, while Al Ahly SC are reportedly set to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup, adding further intrigue to the competition landscape ahead of the new campaign.

According to reports, CAF is targeting a date before August 10 for the draw, aligning it with broader preparations for the upcoming season. The scheduling is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition between qualification rounds and the start of continental action, while also helping to avoid congestion in the international football calendar.

Club registration is expected to close on July 25, marking the final confirmation stage for teams entering Africa’s premier club competitions. This deadline will allow CAF to finalise the list of participants and complete logistical arrangements ahead of the draw.

Notably, the draw is expected to take place on the sidelines of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host from July 26 to August 16. CAF officials reportedly view this as an opportunity to align both men’s and women’s competitions while highlighting Morocco’s growing status as a central hub for African football.

By consolidating key events in Rabat, CAF continues to reinforce Morocco’s position as one of the continent’s leading football destinations in terms of infrastructure and event organisation.

With the new season approaching rapidly, anticipation is building among clubs and supporters as Africa’s elite prepare for another highly competitive campaign in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

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