Mamelodi Sundowns attract rare attention in South America ahead of FIFA Challenger Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns’ progress in another international competition has prompted unusual coverage across South America, with clubs and media in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico assessing the possibility of facing the African champions.

The South African side have reached the FIFA Challenger Cup, which also serves as the semi-final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Victory would send them into the final against European champions Paris Saint-Germain on 16 December at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Before that, Sundowns will play the winner of the Derby of the Americas at the same venue on 12 December.

Three clubs could eventually provide their opposition. The 2026 Copa Libertadores final will be settled on 28 November, when Brazilian club Palmeiras face Argentine side Estudiantes de La Plata. The winner will then meet 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup holders Deportivo Toluca FC of Mexico.

South American focus on Sundowns connections

Sundowns’ potential opponents have attracted attention in their respective countries, with the club’s current South American players and previous links to footballers from the region forming part of the coverage.

In Argentina, reports have highlighted Marcelo Allende, Arthur Sales and Brayan Leon, as well as Sundowns’ history with South American players.

Estudiantes are regarded as outsiders by bookmakers, with odds of more than 4.50. The club is led by former Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, who is its president.

Although Estudiantes have gained prominence through their recent success, they are not considered one of Argentina’s Los Cinco Grandes the country’s “Big Five” clubs: Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Racing and San Lorenzo.

Their principal support remains based in La Plata. However, their qualification for the Copa Libertadores has made them a symbol for those hoping to end Brazilian clubs’ dominance of the competition over the past seven years.

In Sao Paulo, where Palmeiras are based, coverage has instead focused on the possibility of the Brazilian club meeting Paris Saint-Germain in the Intercontinental Cup final if they win the Copa Libertadores.

Palmeiras are the clear favourites to win the South American competition, with odds of 1.90.

Mexican media have taken a measured view of Deportivo Toluca FC’s potential meeting with Sundowns. Miguel Cardoso’s team have been described as a serious threat rather than an easy opponent.

Sundowns are repeatedly identified not only as the 2025/26 CAF Champions League winners, but also as the club that faced Fluminense at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

That previous meeting has added to the South American interest in the Pretoria-based side as they prepare for another possible international contest.