The South African giants will not participate in the first preliminary round and will enter the competition from the second preliminary round.
As title holders and one of the continent’s highest-ranked clubs, Sundowns join a select group of teams exempted from the opening round. The first preliminary round draw is scheduled for 6 August 2026 at CAF headquarters in Cairo.
The bye provides the Brazilians with extra preparation time as they begin their defence of the Champions League title.