How the new Egyptian Premier League format shaped the 2025-26 season
Zamalek Clinches Title as New Format Delivers Drama
The 2025-26 Egyptian Premier League season concluded on May 20, 2026, with Zamalek SC dramatically securing their 15th league title. This thrilling finish, which saw Zamalek edge out Pyramids FC and Al Ahly, highlighted the significant impact of the league's new two-phase system.
Understanding the Two-Phase System
For the 67th edition of the Egyptian Premier League, a new format was introduced to intensify competition. The league, expanded to 21 teams, was divided into two distinct phases:
- Phase One: Teams faced each other once in a single-leg tie.
- Phase Two: Following the first phase, the league split into two groups. The top seven clubs advanced to a championship group to contend for the title, while the remaining teams entered a relegation group.
This innovative structure aimed to create a more competitive environment, ensuring that every match carried significant weight, especially in the championship phase.
Zamalek's Resilient Path to Glory
Zamalek's journey to the title was a testament to their consistency and resilience under the new format. They clinched the championship on the final day of the championship phase with a crucial 1-0 victory over Ceramica Cleopatra. Palestinian striker Odai Dabbagh scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute, securing the win that lifted Zamalek to 56 points. This placed them two points clear of runners-up Pyramids FC (54 points) and three points ahead of Al Ahly (53 points).
"Zamalek had to survive a tense second half against Ceramica... Mohamed Awad saved Ahmed Belhadj's spot-kick two minutes later."
Goalkeeper Mohamed Awad's penalty save in the 56th minute was a pivotal moment, preserving Zamalek's lead and ultimately securing the title.
Al Ahly's Continental Setback and Future Outlook
For Al Ahly, the season concluded with a third-place finish, a rare outcome for the club that holds a record 45 Premier League titles. This position means Al Ahly will miss out on the prestigious CAF Champions League for the 2026-2027 season, instead qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup. Reports indicated that influential entities within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had attempted to increase the Champions League quota to include Al Ahly, but this plan was ultimately postponed.
The club is reportedly considering not participating in the CAF Confederation Cup, believing the competition is not on par with its prestige. However, Al Ahly could still find an alternative route to continental football if the African Football League is reintroduced.
The Evolving Landscape of Egyptian Football
The 2025-26 season, with its new format, has undeniably reshaped the competitive landscape of Egyptian football. The intense title race and the unexpected continental qualification outcomes underscore the importance of sustained performance throughout the season. As the Egyptian transfer window opens from June 20, 2026, to August 15, 2026, clubs will be strategizing their next moves.
Meanwhile, Egyptian talent continues to make its mark internationally, with 18-year-old forward Hamza Abdelkarim, a product of Al Ahly's youth academy, recently completing a permanent transfer to FC Barcelona for €1.5 million on June 15, 2026. This move highlights the growing recognition of Egyptian players on the global stage.
As Egyptian football enters a new era shaped by structural changes and rising talent, the coming seasons promise even more excitement and strategic battles both domestically and on the African continent.
