Mamelodi Sundowns were handed a daunting challenge in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after being drawn into Group F alongside Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo, and South Korean champions Ulsan Hyundai.
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The tournament, set to take place in the United States from 15 June to 13 July 2025, will feature 32 teams in an expanded format.
As one of fourAfrican representatives in the competition, Mamelodi Sundowns joined Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco), and Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) in a bid to showcase the continent’s footballing strength on the global stage.
The tournament will also serve as a crucial precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 12 venues across 11 cities being trialled ahead of the major international event jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Placed in Pot 4 as one of the lowest-ranked teams, Masandawana faced an inevitable uphill battle.
Their group features Flamengo, winners of multiple Copa Libertadores titles; Borussia Dortmund, one of the Bundesliga’s powerhouses; and Ulsan Hyundai, a dominant force in South Korea.
Meanwhile, fellow African side Wydad AC drew an even tougher path in Group G, facing reigning UEFA Champions League winners Manchester City, Italian giants Juventus, and UAE’s Al Ain.
Other African representatives
Al Ahly, led by Percy Tau, will kick off the tournament against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in Group A, which also includes FC Porto and Palmeiras.
Elias Mokwana’s Esperance were drawn into Group D alongside Flamengo, Chelsea, and Club León.
This expanded edition of the Club World Cup presents a significant opportunity for African clubs to test their mettle against some of the world’s best teams, though the path to success will be anything but easy.
The stage is set for a thrilling competition, with Mamelodi Sundowns and their African counterparts eager to leave their mark on football’s biggest club stage.
How do you think Mamelodi Sundowns will fare in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup?
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