Today marks exactly 30 days to the historic kick-off of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – the first edition of the competition in its expanded 32-team format.
As anticipation mounts across the globe, the attention in Africa is riveted on four elite-level clubs to carry an entire continent’s hopes: Al Ahly (Egypt), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco).
All of them have their own story, their own issues, and their own potential in spades to bring to the global arena.
Africa’s most successful club, Al Ahly are undergoing a transition after their CAF Champions League elimination prompted the dismissal of head coach Marcel Koller.
With Orlando Pirates’ current boss Jose Riveiro reportedly set to be announced as their new head coach, the Cairo giants are looking for a new tactical identity and strategic impetus.
Riveiro’s African football experience could be vital as they prepare for their opening test against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Al Ahly will play Mexican side CF Pachuca in a friendly ahead of the opener.
The match will be an early examination of their preparedness and resolve.
Mamelodi Sundowns arrive with hunger and momentum. Fresh from booking a place in the CAF Champions League final, the South African title-holders are confident and full of free-flowing football.
Their attacking flair and tactical cohesion under Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso have made them one of Africa’s most exciting teams.
A friendly against Portuguese giants Benfica has been suggested, which would serve as perfect preparation for the rigour of international competition.
“The trophy is a celebration of hope, pride and excellence. Today, we are not celebrating Sundowns going to the FIFA Club World Cup; we are celebrating the FIFA Club World Cup coming to Africa. We are excited to be part of this tournament and we can’t wait for the journey to begin,” Sundowns Chairman Tlhopane Motsepe said when the club received the trophy during the tour.
Esperance de Tunis, despite a CAF Champions League semifinal exit, remain a powerhouse at home in Tunisia. Top of the Ligue 1 table, they are looking to translate local dominance into international triumph.
Famous for their discipline and resilience, Esperance will be seeking to make a statement that they belong among the world’s best.
The Club World Cup offers them a stage to redeem continental disappointment and restore some lost glory.
Wydad Athletic Club, 2022 CAFCL champions and 2023 finalists, are seeking stability amid coaching uncertainty.
The Moroccan side are on the hunt for a new head coach as they try to find direction and unity in front of their international assignment following the departure of Rulani Mokwena.
With a good core of players and passionate fans, Wydad will be watched closely as they undergo preparations in pursuit of consistency and confidence.
Ghanaian forward Samuel Obeng, who signed with Wydad from Portuguese outfit Casa Pia in the winter transfer window, pledges to give his best for the Moroccan giants.
“Personally, I will give my best and collectively finish in a good position. In June, we will give our best in the World Cup for the fans and the club.”
In the final month leading up to kickoff, all four African representatives will be going into overdrive – training camps, high-level friendlies, squad bolstering, and tactical fine-tuning.
Injury updates, managerial changes, and potential transfers will be some of the essential build-up as each club tries to fine-tune for battle.
This edition of the Club World Cup is more than a chance to participate – it’s a stage for African clubs to challenge, compete, and defy expectations.
In the eyes of the world, the next thirty days are an issue of faith, preparation, and destiny. With time running out, the question is no longer whether African clubs can compete – but whether they can conquer.
