African giants Al Ahly, Wydad, Esperance in coaching shake-ups ahead of 2025 Club World Cup

Several Arab clubs preparing for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup have undergone significant managerial changes ahead of the tournament, which will be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025.

The restructured format will feature 32 clubs, including five Arab sides: Al Ahly (Egypt), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Al Ain (UAE), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), and Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia).

Al Ahly: Koller sacked despite continental success

Egyptian giants Al Ahly parted ways with Swiss coach Marcel Koller less than two months before the tournament.

Despite guiding the team to two consecutive CAF Champions League titles, Koller was dismissed following this season’s semifinal loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.

The club has appointed Emad El-Nahhas as interim coach and is pursuing a foreign replacement. Among the candidates are Germany’s Marco Rose and Portuguese coaches Carlos Queiroz and José Gomes.

Wydad Casablanca: Mokwena to depart after league season

Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca has confirmed that South African coach Rulani Mokwena will leave his role at the end of the current domestic season.

The club is exploring alternatives, with Spanish tactician José Riveiro, currently managing South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, linked to the post.

Al Ain: Crespo out, Ivić under pressure

Despite winning the AFC Champions League, Argentine coach Hernán Crespo was relieved of his duties at Al Ain.

The Emirati club appointed Serbian manager Vladimir Ivić in February, but inconsistent performances have cast doubt on his future heading into the Club World Cup.

Esperance: Kanzari likely to lead in the U.S.

Esperance of Tunisia also made early-season changes, dismissing Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso.

A brief stint by Romanian manager Laurențiu Reghecampf was followed by the appointment of Maher Kanzari, who now looks set to lead the team into the tournament.

Al Hilal: Jesus under scrutiny

While Al Hilal have yet to make a change, pressure is mounting on Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.

Recent domestic setbacks have fuelled speculation about his future, amid reports linking him to the Brazil national team job.