The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the commencement of registration for clubs participating in the African Champions League and Confederation Cup for the 2026-2027 season. This significant announcement marks the official start of preparations for the upcoming continental club competitions, providing a clear roadmap for participating teams. The second preliminary round matches are scheduled to take place between October 16-18, 2026, for the first leg, and October 23-25, 2026, for the second leg. Looking ahead, the finals for both the African Champions League and Confederation Cup are slated to occur between May 9-31, 2027, with the precise dates for these culminating matches to be specified at a later time by the continental governing body. This full schedule aims to provide clarity and adequate preparation time for all clubs involved in Africa's premier club tournaments.
Key Registration Deadlines
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has established specific deadlines for club and player registrations for the 2026-2027 season, emphasizing the importance of timely adherence to administrative procedures. Clubs must complete their registration through the 'CMS' system by July 25, 2026, according to the continental governing body. This deadline is key for all aspiring participants to ensure their eligibility for the competitions.
CAF has also outlined four distinct periods for player registration, designed to offer flexibility while maintaining competitive integrity throughout the season. The initial window for player registration will run from August 1 to August 15, 2026, allowing clubs to register their primary squad members. This will be followed by a second, extended period from August 16 to September 30, 2026, providing further opportunities for squad finalization before the preliminary rounds intensify. Subsequent registration phases are scheduled for October 2026, strategically coinciding with the group stage of the competitions, to allow for necessary squad adjustments. A final player registration period will then open in January 2027, enabling teams to reinforce their rosters ahead of the key knockout stages. These structured registration windows are integral to the smooth operation of the tournaments.
Competition Match Calendar
The competition match calendar for the 2026-2027 African club competitions begins with the first preliminary round matches. These are scheduled to be held from September 4-6, 2026, for the first leg, and September 11-13, 2026, for the second leg, setting the stage for the continental battle. Following these initial stages, which will see teams vying for progression, the group stage matches will commence on November 27, 2026. This key phase of the competition is slated to run through January 24, 2027, encompassing all fixtures for the group stages and determining which teams advance to the knockout rounds.
The knockout phases will subsequently begin with the quarter-final matches, promising high-stakes encounters. These are scheduled to take place between February 26-28, 2027, for the first leg encounters, and March 5-7, 2027, for the corresponding second leg matches, where teams will battle for a spot in the semi-finals. The semi-final matches will then follow, with the first legs set for April 9-11, 2027, and the decisive second legs scheduled for April 16-18, 2027, determining the finalists for both prestigious competitions. This detailed calendar provides a clear progression path for clubs aiming for continental glory.
Algerian Club Participation Details
Algeria will be represented by four clubs in the upcoming 2026-2027 CAF continental club competitions, showcasing the nation's strong presence in African football. MC Alger and JS Saoura are slated to compete in the African Champions League, the continent's most prestigious club competition. Meanwhile, USM Alger and CR Belouizdad will participate in the Confederation Cup, aiming for success in the secondary continental tournament. These selections reflect the Algerian Football Federation's nominations, which are typically based on the previous domestic league standings and cup results, determining the country's contenders for Africa's most prestigious club tournaments. The four clubs will now begin their intensive preparations in anticipation of the registration deadlines and the demanding match calendar set by the Confederation of African Football. Their participation shows Algeria's consistent and competitive presence in the continental club football arena, with each team aspiring to bring home a coveted CAF title.
