USM Alger was drawn into Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. The Algerian club will face a series of continental opponents throughout the upcoming group stage of the competition. Joining USM Alger in Group D are CS Sfaxien from Tunisia, Black Bulls representing Mozambique, and Real Bamako of Mali. These teams move forward to the scheduled group matches following the official draw conducted on 28 October. Each side must now prepare for the home and away fixtures required to advance further in the tournament. The composition of Group D places USM Alger in direct competition with CS Sfaxien, which brings a Tunisian presence to the group. The inclusion of Black Bulls, representing Mozambique, and Real Bamako, representing Mali, ensures a diverse set of continental challenges for the Algerian side. All participating clubs in this group are now finalizing their logistical arrangements for the upcoming travel and hosting duties associated with these international fixtures.
Confederation Cup Match Schedule
CAF Confederation Cup match officials confirmed the group stage schedule on 28 October 2026. Round 1 matches are set for 27-29 November 2026, followed by Round 2 from 4-6 December 2026. Round 3 fixtures take place between 18-20 December 2026. After the turn of the year, Round 4 is slated for 8-10 January 2027, Round 5 for 15-17 January 2027, and the final group stage matches, Round 6, will occur from 22-24 January 2027. This timeline dictates the pace at which USM Alger and their opponents must navigate the group stage. The schedule begins with Round 1, occurring between 27 November 2026 and 29 November 2026. Following this, the clubs will transition into Round 2, scheduled for 4 December 2026 through 6 December 2026. The final round of the calendar year, Round 3, is set for 18 December 2026 to 20 December 2026. The competition resumes in the new year with Round 4, taking place from 8 January 2027 to 10 January 2027. Round 5 is designated for 15 January 2027 to 17 January 2027, and the group stage concludes with Round 6, held from 22 January 2027 to 24 January 2027.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued a decision regarding the qualification path for CR Belouizdad. Proceedings involving the second preliminary round matches between CR Belouizdad and FC Nouadhibou are now subject to a postponement ordered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This legal development has directly impacted the timeline for the second preliminary round, as the matches between CR Belouizdad and FC Nouadhibou remain on hold.
CR Belouizdad remains in contention for a place in the group stage of the competition. If CR Belouizdad qualifies for the tournament, the club will enter a group containing Maniema Union from DR Congo, Singida Black Stars of Tanzania, and Red Arrows representing Zambia. Should they successfully navigate their qualification path, CR Belouizdad would be integrated into a group featuring Maniema Union, Singida Black Stars, and Red Arrows. This potential group stage setup remains contingent upon the resolution of the matters currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the matches against FC Nouadhibou. Until the second preliminary round is concluded, the final list of participants for that specific group remains subject to the outcome of these proceedings.
