CAF Champions League Draw Sets Stage for 2025/26 Season
CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw: A Defining Moment
The anticipation surrounding African club football reached a peak today, November 3, 2025, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the group stage draw for the 2025/2026 Champions League season. Hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, this event marks a pivotal moment for the continent’s top 16 clubs, each vying for continental glory in Africa’s most prestigious club competition.
Seeding and Qualification: How the Teams Were Chosen
The draw’s structure is rooted in a meticulous seeding process, reflecting club performances in CAF competitions over the last five years. This approach ensures a balanced and competitive group stage, with teams divided into four pots. Pot 1 features the highest-ranked clubs, while Pot 4 includes teams with the least accumulated points from recent campaigns.
Pot 1: The Heavyweights
Among the top seeds are some of Africa’s most successful and storied clubs. Egyptian giants Al Ahly FC, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis, and Morocco’s RS Berkane headline Pot 1. Notably, RS Berkane’s inclusion as a top seed is a testament to their remarkable consistency in continental tournaments, particularly their triumph in the CAF Confederation Cup last season. Despite never having previously competed in the Champions League, their recent achievements have propelled them into the elite bracket.
Defending Champions and Other Contenders
Defending champions Pyramids FC, who secured their group stage berth just last Thursday, find themselves in Pot 2. Their placement reflects both their recent success and the competitive depth of African club football. The final spot in the 16-team lineup was claimed by RS Berkane on Saturday, completing a field that features a blend of established powerhouses and ambitious newcomers.
The Draw Ceremony: A Continental Spectacle
The draw ceremony commenced at 14:00 local time (12:00 GMT) in Johannesburg, drawing attention from fans, club officials, and media across Africa and beyond. The event was broadcast live on beIN Sports News and streamed on CAF’s official social media channels, ensuring widespread access and engagement.
The draw not only determined the groupings for the Champions League but also set the stage for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, which was conducted on the same day. This dual event underscores the growing stature and organizational sophistication of African club football.
Key Storylines and Teams to Watch
Al Ahly FC: The Standard Bearers
Al Ahly FC, with a record number of Champions League titles, remain the benchmark for excellence in African football. Their consistent performances and depth of talent make them perennial favorites, and their placement in Pot 1 signals their intent to add yet another trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
Mamelodi Sundowns: South African Ambitions
Mamelodi Sundowns continue to represent South Africa’s footballing aspirations on the continental stage. Their recent domestic and continental successes have solidified their reputation as one of Africa’s most formidable clubs.
Espérance Sportive de Tunis: Tunisian Pride
Espérance Sportive de Tunis, another Pot 1 club, bring a wealth of experience and a passionate fan base. Their tactical discipline and history of success make them a team to watch in the upcoming campaign.
RS Berkane: The Rising Force
The story of RS Berkane is one of rapid ascent. Their dominance in the CAF Confederation Cup has now earned them a place among Africa’s elite, and their debut in the Champions League group stage adds an intriguing new dimension to the competition.
Pyramids FC: Defending Their Crown
Pyramids FC’s journey to the top culminated in last season’s Champions League triumph. As defending champions, they face the challenge of maintaining their momentum against a field of hungry contenders.
What’s Next: The Road to the Knockout Stages
With the group stage draw now complete, attention shifts to the fixtures themselves. The 16 teams will be divided into four groups of four, with each team playing home and away matches. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds, where the intensity and drama of African club football will reach new heights.
The group stage is scheduled to kick off in December 2025, with matches set to be played across the continent. Fans can expect a showcase of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and passionate support as clubs strive to reach the latter stages of the competition.
Broadcast and Coverage
CAF has ensured that fans across Africa and the world can follow the action closely. In addition to live television coverage on beIN Sports News, updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content will be available on CAF’s official social media platforms and website (cafonline.com).
Conclusion: A Season of High Expectations
The 2025/26 CAF Champions League promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in African football history. With a blend of established giants and emerging challengers, the competition is set to captivate fans and showcase the best of the continent’s club talent. As the group stage approaches, all eyes will be on Africa’s footballing elite as they embark on the quest for continental supremacy.
For more details and live updates, visit the official CAF website at cafonline.com.