There is talk that the Champions League could be expanded in the coming years, but while discussions are ongoing, next season will come too soon for that.
At the moment, CAF allows the 12 best-ranked countries in the CAF five-year club ranking to enter two sides in each of its two annual competitions – the Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Angola, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania are the top 12 for the coming season.
These countries, however, could have three or four representatives in the Champions League, compared to the current two, if the proposal were to be adopted.
It would likely mean stronger television audiences, as more of the traditional powerhouses of African club football would compete.
Consultations are continuing within the relevant CAF committees and one of the major challenges is finding a suitable schedule for implementing any new format without disrupting domestic league and cup competitions.
The Confederation Cup could become a competition whose entries are weighted in favour of clubs from lower-ranked nations, giving more opportunities to teams from outside the traditional powers.
A surprising number of African leagues are still ongoing through the upcoming World Cup, even those that traditionally run from August to May, meaning we must wait to see which teams will qualify for the Champions League in 2026/27.
In Morocco, next year’s participants have yet to be determined, with just 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 firmly in the mix.
Egypt’s two qualified clubs are known and, for the first time since 2003, there is no Al Ahly. Champions Zamalek and Pyramids are the two teams to take their place.
That means Ahly will have a final chance to qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup in the 2027/28 edition of the CAF Champions League.
MC Alger have booked their place in next season’s elite club competition, but the second team from Algeria is not yet known.
Esperance and Club Africain are the two teams from 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 there will be a new name from Angola in the competition.
Petro Atletico are well known, but Wiliete from Benguela will play in the Champions League for the first time. In fact, it will be their maiden appearance in any African club competition.
Medeama have been confirmed as the sole representative from Ghana, while Gor Mahia have booked their place from Kenya.
Power Dynamos romped to the title in Zambia and will play in the competition next year, while Scottland have earned that honour in Zimbabwe.