FIFA has officially notified Egypt’s Al-Ahly about key deadlines for squad submissions ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup.
Set to take place in the United States in June 2025, the expanded tournament will feature 32 teams from around the world, including four representatives from Africa: Egypt’s Al-Ahly, Tunisia’s Espérance, Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
According to the FIFA communication, clubs must submit an initial squad list by March 1, 2025.
This first roster, containing a maximum of 50 players and a minimum of 26, must also include four goalkeepers.
The list will then be finalized to 35 players by June 10, allowing clubs additional flexibility to assess and adjust their selections as the tournament approaches.
For each match in the Club World Cup, teams will choose a 26-player lineup from their finalized roster.
The March 1 deadline underscores FIFA’s focus on comprehensive planning and team readiness for the tournament’s expanded format, which will see its participant count grow significantly.
Al-Ahly, a dominant force in African club football, will be joining other African champions in representing the continent.
The inclusion of Espérance, Wydad Casablanca, and Mamelodi Sundowns highlights the growing recognition of African football on a global stage and sets up a promising showcase for talent from the continent.
This new iteration of the Club World Cup represents a milestone for FIFA as it tests a larger, more inclusive structure, promising high-stakes competition for the participating clubs and fans worldwide.
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