Confederations Cup: CAF Unveils Quarter Final Fixtures
CAIRO — The path to continental glory became crystal clear on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the quarter-final draw for the 2025/2026 Confederations Cup. Gathered at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters, representatives from the final eight witnessed the mapping of a knockout stage heavily tilted toward North African dominance. The headline fixture features an explosive all-Moroccan derby between regional heavyweights Wydad AC and tournament surprise packages Olympique Safi. Consequently, the draw ensures that at least one Moroccan side will grace the semi-finals, intensifying the “Maghreb rivalry” that traditionally defines this competition.
In a clash of historical titans, Egypt’s Al Masry will confront Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in what many pundits label the “Battle of the Mediterraneans.” Both clubs successfully navigated grueling group stages, with Belouizdad impressively topping Group C. Furthermore, the first-leg fixtures are scheduled for Sunday, March 15, with the decisive return legs following on March 22. While it is true that Al Masry enjoys a passionate home following in Port Said, the tactical discipline of the Algerians presents a formidable hurdle. Indeed, the winner of this tie is set to face either AS Otoho or Zamalek in a potential all-Egyptian semi-final showdown.
The third quarter-final pits the Congolese side AS Otoho d’Oyo against the storied “White Knights” of Zamalek SC. The Cairo-based giants, two-time winners of the trophy, remain the clear favorites to progress despite the resilience shown by the Congolese debutants. In a related development, the final pairing features AS Maniema Union from the DR Congo taking on 2023 champions USM Alger. Granted, USM Alger brings a significant continental pedigree to the pitch, but Maniema’s defensive record during the group stage suggests a closely contested affair. Notably, the Congolese clubs represent the only sub-Saharan challenge left against a dominant five-team North African contingent.
Significantly, the draw also established the semi-final roadmap, where the victor of Maniema Union/USM Alger will meet the winner of the Moroccan derby. Above all, the 2026 edition has highlighted a widening gap in club football investments across the continent. Subsequently, CAF officials emphasized that the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be mandatory for all matches from this stage onward. Although the road to the May final is long, the stakes have never been higher for the participating clubs.
Finally, as the continent prepares for the March kick-off, the focus shifts to player registration and tactical conditioning during the brief international break. Therefore, the quarter-finals represent not just a sporting contest, but a test of logistical and financial stamina for Africa’s elite. As a result of this draw, the 2026 Confederations Cup is shaping up to be a definitive chapter in the storied history of Arab-African football rivalry. Accordingly, the stage is set for a knockout phase that promises high-octane drama and a high-stakes pursuit of the prestigious silver trophy.