The 2026/2027 CAF Champions League grid takes shape: 31 clubs confirmed

The race for African club football’s ultimate prize is officially underway as the qualification grid for the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League begins to solidify. Giants of the continent and ambitious dark horses have already secured their places, promising a thrilling campaign ahead.

From regional powerhouses executing tactical masterclasses to breakthrough clubs ready to debut on the grand stage, the tournament line-up is rapidly gaining weight.

The Powerhouses Secure Safe Passage

Several of Africa’s most decorated clubs have comfortably punched their tickets, setting up what promises to be a highly competitive campaign:

Mamelodi Sundowns & Orlando Pirates (South Africa): South Africa’s elite duo return to the continental stage, ready to bring their high-intensity tactical setups back into the championship equation.

ES Tunis & Club Africain (Tunisia): Tunisia’s capital will be heavily represented, offering a mix of deep continental experience and passionate fan bases.

Petro de Luanda (Angola): The Angolan champions continue their consistent run at the top flight of African football.

ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast): The Ivorian giants are back to reclaim their historical status among Africa’s elite.

Growing Regional Domination

The update highlights a fiercely contested race across domestic leagues, with multiple nations sending formidable double-entries or dominant single champions:

Nigeria’s Double Threat: Rangers International and Rivers United will represent the NPFL, both looking to make deep runs into the group stages.

Angolan Depth: Alongside Petro, Wiliete steps up to showcase the growing tactical strength of Angolan domestic football.

Ivorian Continuity: FC San Pedro joins ASEC Mimosas, ensuring a powerhouse representation for Ivory Coast.

The Ambitious Contenders

The preliminary rounds will feature hungry, well-drilled sides capable of pulling off massive upsets against established giants.

MC Alger (Algeria): Carrying the fierce expectations of Algerian football.

Horoya AC (Guinea): Looking to leverage their continental pedigree.

Vipers SC (Uganda): Eager to assert East African dominance on the grand stage.

APR FC (Rwanda) & Medeama SC (Ghana): Two clubs known for structural discipline and tactical resilience.

Dark Horses and Breakthrough Names

What makes the CAF Champions League special is its inclusivity, giving rising teams the platform to shine. Outlets will be keeping a close eye on:

FC Nouadhibou (Mauritania): Continuing to put Mauritanian club football firmly on the map.

Scottland FC (Zimbabwe): Ready to bring a fresh Zimbabwean narrative to the tournament.

El Merrikh Bentiu (South Sudan) & Lijabatho FC (Lesotho): Eager to prove their domestic growth on an international level.

Aigle Noir (Burundi), Power Dynamos (Zambia), and Rahimo FC (Burkina Faso): All capable of disrupting the plans of the continent’s traditional heavyweights.

Full List of Qualified Teams (So Far)

North Africa: MC Alger (Algeria), ES Tunis (Tunisia), Club Africain (Tunisia)

Southern Africa: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Orlando Pirates (South Africa), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Wiliete (Angola), UD Songo (Mozambique), Mighty Wanderers (Malawi), African Stars FC (Namibia), Gaborone United (Botswana), Nsingizini Hotspurs (Eswatini), Lijabatho FC (Lesotho), Scottland FC (Zimbabwe)

East & Central Africa: Vipers SC (Uganda), APR FC (Rwanda), Aigle Noir (Burundi), El Merrikh Bentiu (South Sudan), Foullah Edifice (Chad)

West Africa: Rangers International (Nigeria), Rivers United (Nigeria), ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast), FC San Pedro (Ivory Coast), Horoya AC (Guinea), Medeama SC (Ghana), Watanga FC (Liberia), Rahimo FC (Burkina Faso), FC Nouadhibou (Mauritania)

Indian Ocean Zone: Foresters FC (Seychelles), La Cure Waves (Mauritius)

As domestic campaigns across the continent reach their final matchdays, this list will continue to expand. One thing is certain: the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League is shaping up to be an absolute spectacle.

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