The regional tournament is scheduled to take place in Kigali from July 24 to August 7, 2026, with matches to be played at Kigali Pelé Stadium and Amahoro Stadium. It will bring together top clubs from across East and Central Africa.

According to the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), the competition was initially expected to feature 12 teams, including representatives from Sudan. However, Al Merrikh confirmed that it will not take part after its technical staff requested a dedicated pre-season camp to help the team prepare for upcoming domestic and continental assignments.

“Al Merrikh SC confirms its withdrawal from the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup after the first-team technical staff requested a special training camp to prepare for the upcoming season,” the club said in a statement.

The club added that the decision followed an assessment of its preparation needs, with the coaching staff opting to hold an overseas camp to ensure the team is ready for the new season.

Al Merrikh, coached by Darko Nović, has recently strengthened its squad with new signings who are expected to arrive in Sudan on July 11. The team will then travel to Kigali on July 13 to begin its training camp.

Foreign players unable to join the squad in Sudan will link up with their teammates in Kigali, where the club plans to play a series of friendly matches as part of its preparations for the CAF Champions League and Sudan’s domestic league.

Al Merrikh’s withdrawal leaves fellow Sudanese side Al Hilal SC as the country’s sole representative in the tournament, which has been sponsored by President Paul Kagame since 2002.

The competition will now feature 11 teams, with the official draw set to take place on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Amahoro Stadium. Former Rwanda international Haruna Niyonzima will oversee the draw.

The 11 participating teams are:

• APR FC (Rwanda)
• Rayon Sports (Rwanda)
• Simba SC (Tanzania)
• Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania)
• Vipers SC (Uganda)
• Al Hilal SC (Sudan)
• Gor Mahia FC (Kenya)
• Mogadishu City FC (Somalia)
• Jamus SC (South Sudan)
• FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti)
• KVZ FC (Zanzibar)

Sudanese giants Al Merrikh SC have withdrawn from the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, opting to focus on preparations for the 2026/27 season in which they are set to compete in the CAF Champions League.
Al Merrikh, coached by Darko Nović, has recently strengthened its squad with new signings who are expected to arrive in Sudan on July 11.