CAF Unveils 2026/27 Continental Club Competition Calendar

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the calendar for the highly anticipated 2026/27 season of its premier club competitions: the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup. This announcement provides clear timelines for clubs across the continent, including Angolan representatives, as they prepare to vie for continental glory.

Continental Ambitions Begin in September

For Angolan teams such as Petro de Luanda, 1º de Agosto, and Williete de Benguela, the journey towards continental success will commence in early September 2026. The preliminary stages are set to kick off with the first leg of the first preliminary round scheduled for September 4-6, 2026. The return fixtures will follow swiftly, taking place from September 11-13, 2026.

Clubs that successfully navigate this initial hurdle will then face the challenges of the second preliminary round. This crucial stage, where qualification for the group phase is at stake, is slated for October 16-18, 2026, for the first leg, and October 23-25, 2026, for the second leg.

Key competition dates for the 2026/27 season:

Group Stage Action and Grand Finals

The group stages of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup are scheduled to begin in late November 2026 and will run through January 2027, promising months of intense football and exciting matchups. The culmination of these continental campaigns will occur in May 2027, with the grand finals of both competitions set to be held between May 9 and May 31, 2027.

This detailed calendar allows clubs, players, and fans to plan effectively for the upcoming season, building anticipation for the high level of competition expected in African club football. The success of teams like Petro de Luanda in past campaigns highlights the growing strength and competitiveness of clubs from Angola on the continental stage.

The CAF’s proactive release of the schedule aims to provide structure and clarity, enabling teams to strategize their domestic and continental preparations accordingly. As the dates approach, further details regarding specific match pairings and kick-off times will be made available.

Source: A Bola Futebol, https://www.abola.pt/noticias/caf-define-calendario-de-provas-continentais-2026070301302304040