Tamer Mohamed
CAIRO — The second stage of the 2025–26 Egyptian Premier League is set, with the championship and relegation groups’ fixtures officially confirmed. The title race kicks off on April 3, while the relegation group starts on March 21.
This season, the league switched things up with a new two-stage format. First, 21 teams played each other once – 20 matches each. Following the first stage, the league split into two groups based on standings: the top seven teams moved on to the Championship Group, and the other 14 landed in the Relegation Group.
The Championship Group features Zamalek, Pyramids FC, Al-Ahly, Ceramica Cleopatra, Al-Masry, Smouha, and Enppi, all vying for the league title.
The Relegation Group includes ZED FC, Wadi Degla, El-Gouna, NBE Club, Petrojet, Modern Sport, Talae El-Geish, Al-Ittihad, Ghazl El-Mahalla, Arab Contractors, Haras El-Hodood, Kahraba Ismailia, Pharco FC, and Ismaily. These teams are fighting to stay in the top tier and avoid dropping to the Professional League.
All points from the first stage carry over, with teams competing in a single round-robin format to determine final standings. Top teams face tough matchups early, as the draw is unseeded, meaning top clubs can clash in the opening weeks.
The Cairo derby headlines Matchday 5, with Zamalek hosting Al-Ahly at Cairo International Stadium on May 1.
Pyramids FC will start their campaign against Zamalek on April 23 at Cairo Stadium, then turns around to play Al-Ahly at Air Defence Stadium just four days later.
The league will conclude on May 28 for the Relegation Group and May 20 for the Championship Group, promising a thrilling finish across both ends of the table.
Championship Group fixtures
Matchday 1:
Al-Masry vs Zamalek | Ceramica vs Al-Ahly | Smouha vs Enppi
Matchday 2:
Pyramids vs Al-Masry | Ceramica vs Enppi | Al-Ahly vs Smouha
Matchday 3:
Smouha vs Ceramica | Al-Masry vs Enppi | Zamalek vs Pyramids
Matchday 4:
Smouha vs Al-Masry | Pyramids vs Al-Ahly | Zamalek vs Enppi
Matchday 5:
Pyramids vs Enppi | Ceramica vs Al-Masry | Zamalek vs Al-Ahly
Matchday 6:
Smouha vs Zamalek | Al-Ahly vs Enppi | Ceramica vs Pyramids
Matchday 7:
Pyramids vs Smouha | Zamalek vs Ceramica | Al-Masry vs Al-Ahly
