The Confederation of African Football has approved the request from the Algerian Football Federation and USM Alger to play both legs of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie against Equatorial Guinea’s Panthers FC at the 5-Juillet Stadium in Algiers. The matches are scheduled for October 20 and 25 at 8:00 PM, with fans permitted in the stands. This move shifts the fixture from Cameroon to Algeria following a proposal by the club's management. As the 2026 title holders, USM Alger received a bye in the first round, while the Panthers advanced by defeating Benin's ASPAC FC. Meanwhile, CR Belouizdad will begin their continental campaign against AS Douanes of Mauritania, with the first leg in Nouakchott on October 17 and the return leg in Algiers on October 24.