CAF Champions League 2025/26 Season Kicks Off Today with Record Participation and New Financial Incentives
The 2025/26 season of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League is set to officially commence this Friday, with the Preliminary stages of Africa’s premier continental club competition.
This season marks a historic milestone, featuring a record 62 clubs registered, highlighting the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) commitment to broadening participation and enhancing the competitiveness of African football.
In a bid to support clubs across the continent, CAF has introduced new financial incentives for the Preliminary stage. Teams eliminated in the first two rounds will each receive USD 100,000 to help cover logistical expenses. This initiative aims to encourage greater representation and strengthen the foundation of the competition, ensuring that clubs can participate without the burden of financial strain.
The first leg of the Preliminary Round fixtures will take place from September 19 to 21, 2025, with the second leg scheduled for September 26 to 28. Clubs that emerge victorious from this stage will advance to the Second Preliminary Round, set for October 17–19 (first leg) and 24–26 (second leg). The Group Stage is expected to kick off on November 21, 2025, leading to the knockout phase starting March 13, 2026.
While some of the continent’s football heavyweights may not be in action this weekend, the draw conducted last month in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has produced several exciting matchups. Defending champions RS Berkane will take on Togo’s ASC Kara, while last season’s semi-finalists, Orlando Pirates, face a challenging test against Lesotho’s Lioli FC. Additionally, Zambia’s Power Dynamos will meet Ivorian giants Asec Mimosas.
