Record 62 Clubs to Kick Off TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26

Record Participation Highlights Growing Reach

The new season of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League launches this Friday, and the numbers speak for themselves: 62 clubs have entered, the highest tally ever for Africa’s flagship club tournament. The surge reflects a wave of investment in domestic leagues, more professional setups, and a genuine hunger among clubs to test themselves against the continent’s best.

Historically, the Champions League has been dominated by a handful of powerhouses from Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. This season, however, sees clubs from previously under‑represented nations lining up for the preliminary round, a sign that CAF’s outreach programs are finally bearing fruit. Fans across the continent can expect a richer tableau of playing styles, from the high‑tempo West African sides to the tactically disciplined North African squads.

New USD 100,000 Support Aims to Boost Smaller Clubs

To make sure the broadened field doesn’t get tripped up by money problems, CAF has rolled out a fresh financial incentive. Any team eliminated in either of the first two preliminary rounds will receive a US$100,000 stipend aimed at covering travel, accommodation, and other logistical expenses. The move is intended to lower the cost barrier for clubs that lack deep pockets, encouraging them to stay in the competition longer and gain valuable experience.

Organisers say the funding will be disbursed within two weeks of a team’s exit, ensuring cash flows quickly enough to support the next domestic campaign. For clubs that operate on shoestring budgets, this injection can mean the difference between a season of growth and a forced withdrawal from continental play.

The preliminary schedule is tight. First‑leg matches are set for 19–21 September 2025, with return legs on 26–28 September. Winners then move on to the second preliminary round, slated for 17–19 October (first leg) and 24–26 October (second leg). Successful sides will join the group stage in November, where prize money climbs dramatically.

Analysts predict that the financial boost will not only level the playing field but also raise the overall quality of matches. Clubs that can focus on preparation rather than logistics are more likely to field competitive squads, which in turn makes the tournament more attractive to broadcasters and sponsors.

As the opening whistle approaches, the continent’s football community is buzzing. From Lagos to Nairobi, supporters are eager to see whether the new entrants can cause upsets, and whether the cash‑back scheme will become a model for other CAF competitions. The stage is set, the money is ready, and 62 clubs are poised to chase African glory.