Discussions about expanding the CAF Champions League as qualifying clubs for 2026/27 are revealed

There is speculation that the Champions League could be enlarged in the years ahead, but while conversations continue, the next season will arrive too early for such a change.

Currently, CAF permits the 12 highest-ranked nations in its five-year club standings to enter two sides in each of its two annual tournaments, namely the Champions League and the Confederation Cup.

For the upcoming season, the top 12 nations are Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Angola, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania.

If the proposal were to be approved, these countries might have three or four teams in the Champions League instead of the existing two.

This would probably result in stronger television viewership, since more of the traditional powerhouses of African club football would take part.

Discussions are ongoing within the relevant CAF committees, and one major obstacle is finding a suitable timetable to introduce any new format without disrupting domestic league and cup competitions.

The Confederation Cup might become a contest where entries are weighted towards clubs from lower-ranked countries, giving more chances to teams outside the usual strongholds.

A surprising number of African leagues are still in progress during the upcoming World Cup, even those that normally run from August to May, so we must wait to find out which teams will secure Champions League spots for 2026/27.

In Morocco, next year's participants have not yet been confirmed, with only two points separating first and fifth in the league table and nine rounds still to play.

Raja Casablanca, Maghreb Fes, AS FAR, Wydad Casablanca and RS Berkane all remain strongly in contention.

Egypt’s two qualifying clubs are known, and for the first time since 2003, Al Ahly is absent. Champions Zamalek and Pyramids are the two teams taking their places.

This means Ahly will have one final opportunity to qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup during the 2027/28 edition of the CAF Champions League.

MC Alger have secured their spot in next season's elite club competition, but the second team from Algeria is yet to be decided.

Esperance and Club Africain represent Tunisia, while ASEC Mimosas and San Pedro will be the Ivorian challengers.

Enugu Rangers and Rivers United are Nigeria’s two representatives after dethroning Remo Stars as champions this past season, and a new side from Angola will appear in the competition.

Petro Atletico are well known, but Wiliete from Benguela will compete in the Champions League for the first time. In fact, this will be their debut in any African club competition.

Medeama have been confirmed as Ghana’s sole representative, while Gor Mahia have secured their place from Kenya.

Power Dynamos stormed to the title in Zambia and will participate in the competition next year, while Scottland have earned that honour in Zimbabwe.