The African Champions League 2025/26 officially kicks off on Friday, featuring a record participation from clubs.
This week marks the start of the preliminary phase of the African Champions League for the 2025/26 season, the first step in the new season of the continent’s premier club tournament.
This season represents a new record in the history of the competition, with 62 clubs registered, reflecting the efforts of the Confederation of African Football to expand the competitive base and enhance rivalry across the continent.
To support participating clubs, the Confederation has introduced a new financial initiative, whereby each team eliminated in the first two rounds of the preliminary stage will receive $100,000 to cover logistical expenses, in an attempt to encourage wide participation and strengthen the competitive framework.
The first leg matches of the preliminary stage will take place between September 19 and 21, while the return matches will occur from September 26 to 28, 2025. The winning teams will advance to the second round of the preliminary stage, scheduled for October 17–19 (first leg) and October 24–26 (return leg).
The group stage will commence on November 21, 2025, before moving on to the knockout phase starting March 13, 2026, with a schedule promising significant excitement and audience engagement.
The draw held last month in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, resulted in several anticipated matchups, despite the absence of some major clubs in this week’s fixtures. RS Berkane, last season’s Confederation Cup winner and Moroccan champion, will begin its journey against Togo’s ASC Kara. Orlando Pirates faces a tough challenge against Lioli from Lesotho, while Zambian Power Dynamos will meet Ivorian giant Asec Mimosas.
All matches of the African Champions League will be broadcast live through the Confederation’s official broadcast partners, with exclusive behind-the-scenes content across all digital platforms of the Confederation, including match highlights on the Confederation’s official YouTube channel (CAF TV).
With enhanced financial support, a record number of participants, and an exciting match schedule, the 2025/26 season of the African Champions League aims to solidify its status as the most prestigious club tournament on the continent.
