Four African Clubs Compete in 2025 Club World Cup US

Four African football clubs—Al Ahly, Esperance, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Wydad Casablanca—are set to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, each securing $9.55 million in appearance fees, with additional earnings tied to performance. Al Ahly, coached by Spaniard Jose Riveiro, will face Inter Miami in the tournament opener, while Esperance is led by former star Maher Kanzari and features top scorer Youcef Belaili. Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela emphasized the importance of representing all of Africa on the global stage, highlighting the lack of black African coaches in the tournament and calling for greater inclusion. Komphela also urged his team to stand tall and dismantle stereotypes about Africa, framing the competition as a broader cultural and symbolic battle beyond football. These African teams aim not only to compete but also to challenge misconceptions and elevate the continent's presence in international football.