2025 Club World Cup: Will African Teams be Ready for the Biggest Stage in Football?

The 2025 Club World Cup will serve not only as a tournament but as a reimagining of club football as we know it and now one of the largest competitions ever attempted—and a test for many of Africa’s finest. From June 15 to July 13, 2025, 32 of the most important clubs will compete in 11 venues across America for the newly branded FIFA Club World Cup—and a billion dollars in prize money. For African clubs, this should be a tremendous opportunity to show they have matched the international playing field and are ready for the intended big time.

What Is the Africa 2025 Club World Cup?

The 2025 version is the first to feature 32 teams, which means that it will be a month-long endeavor in the style of the international World Cup. As a result, the following four clubs from Africa will play:

• Al Ahly (Egypt)
• Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
• Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

These teams qualify from having won the CAF Champions League in seasons past and now represent their country in their league and their continent.

Why This Tournament Matters to African Football

For far too long, clubs in Africa have been relegated to lesser status behind their European and South American counterparts, with less funding, fewer resources and infrastructure, and a draining of talent elsewhere. The 2025 Club World Cup is different, as this is a global stage with commercial appeal and competitive environments with the best of all other continents.

An African club could triple its operating budget for the year off one tournament alone should it make it past the knockout stages. Yet the advantages go further than mere operational cash influxes. They depend upon performance, exposure, and what they relay back to their communities.

Al Ahly: Egypt’s Most Successful Team in Group A

Group A: Al Ahly, Inter Miami, Palmeiras, FC Porto

Al Ahly, Africa’s most decorated club, enters the tournament with pedigree but faces stiff competition. Group A presents a clash of styles:

• Inter Miami brings MLS glitz and attacking freedom.
• Palmeiras represents Brazil’s technical flair.
• FC Porto adds European grit and tactical structure.

Al Ahly’s path to the knockout stage will depend on tactical flexibility. They must blend their continental experience with adaptive play. Defensive discipline will be vital, especially when facing Palmeiras’ creativity and Porto’s counter-press.

If they find the right balance, Al Ahly could survive the group. If not, even a strong performance may not be enough.

Espérance de Tunis: Strategy Over Star Power in Group D

Group D: Espérance, Chelsea, Flamengo, LAFC

No group screams “power” like Group D. Espérance faces a monumental task against:

• Chelsea and its deep, expensive roster
• Flamengo, packed with technical wizards
• LAFC, known for high-energy play and smart transitions

Espérance will rely on structure and possession control. Their signature build-up play and defensive rotations must frustrate opponents. Unity is their strength. But they’ve shown a tendency to fade in late-match situations.

Every point will matter. Realistically, beating LAFC and keeping Chelsea or Flamengo at bay is the blueprint.

Mamelodi Sundowns: Tactics and Talent in Group F

Group F: Sundowns, Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense, Ulsan Hyundai

Mamelodi Sundowns are perhaps Africa’s most modern team. They embrace data analytics, play attractive football, and have one of the best possession-based setups on the continent.

Challenges:

• Dortmund brings youth and high press.
• Fluminense plays elegant, slow-tempo ball control.
• Ulsan Hyundai excels in rapid transitions.

Sundowns will need to adjust their tempo smartly. Winning the midfield battle is non-negotiable. If they can transition from aesthetic play to practical execution, a knockout spot is within reach.

Wydad Casablanca: Underdogs in Group G

Group G: Wydad, Manchester City, Juventus, Al Ain

Wydad has arguably drawn the toughest group. Facing Manchester City and Juventus is difficult for any club, let alone one with a more modest budget.

Their approach? Pragmatism.

• Low blocks and counters
• Maximizing set-piece situations
• Targeting the Al Ain match for points

Success will mean grinding out results. A single point could be symbolic. Three could make history.

How the Tournament Format Works

• 8 groups of 4 teams
• Top two from each group advance to the Round of 16
• Single-elimination format after the group stage

This mirrors the traditional World Cup format, which adds to the stakes. Every group game matters.

For African clubs, advancing isn’t just about pride. It could redefine how global audiences see CAF teams.

What This Means for CAF and Domestic Leagues

This tournament serves as a benchmark for:

• Infrastructure development
• Talent retention
• Commercial growth
• Broadcast interest

CAF will be closely watching how these teams perform, not just on the pitch but also in generating value. A successful showing could encourage sponsors, reform governance, and push domestic leagues to professionalize further.

Potential Risks: The Gap Between Top and Bottom

Some critics warn of “Club World Cupification”—where a few elite clubs benefit disproportionately, leaving grassroots football behind. With increased international attention, there’s a risk that only the biggest African teams will grow, widening the gap within CAF.

But there’s another side: success could build a more virtuous cycle. Rising interest in domestic leagues, improved facilities, and better coaching systems are all possible if momentum is sustained.

Africa’s Moment Has Arrived

The road to glory at the Africa 2025 Club World Cup won’t be easy. European dominance remains real. But African clubs now have the platform. How they use it matters.

If they compete with clarity, adapt to challenges, and fight with heart, the ripple effects could reach deep into grassroots academies and inspire a new generation of African footballers.

The whistle is about to blow. Africa’s journey begins now.