The inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in the United States marks a new chapter for African football, as four top clubs, Egypt’s Al Ahly, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, and Tunisia’s Esperance, prepare to challenge some of the world’s biggest football teams. While no African club has ever won the Club World Cup, this expanded format presents both a historic opportunity and a massive financial incentive, with a total prize pool of $1 billion and $475 million tied to performance.
Each African representative is guaranteed a participation fee of $9.55 million, more than double the $4 million awarded to this season’s African Champions League winners, Pyramids FC. Although the African teams will face stiff competition, the potential to earn millions more through victories and progression in the tournament adds significant motivation.
Esperance coach Maher Kanzari called the chance to participate “a dream,” urging his team to rise to the occasion when they face Flamengo, Chelsea, and Los Angeles FC in Group D. Representing Africa, he said, is both a responsibility and an honor. Esperance returns to the competition for the first time since 2019.
Al Ahly, Africa’s most decorated club, kicks off their campaign against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami before taking on Palmeiras and Porto. The Cairo giants recently appointed new head coach Jose Riveiro and boosted their squad by signing Egypt internationals Trezeguet and Zizo. Wydad Casablanca, despite missing out on the next CAF Champions League season, are also determined to make their mark. They will meet Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain in Group G.
Sundowns, South Africa’s dominant club and recent African Football League champions, will compete in Group F alongside Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund, and Fluminense. While their fan base may not rival the global popularity of European clubs, supporters believe a strong performance can elevate the reputation of the Premier Soccer League and South African football in general.
Despite the $9.55 million base payment, African clubs still face a significant financial gap compared to their counterparts. South American clubs will receive $15.21 million, while European teams will collect between $12.81 million and $38.19 million. Group stage wins are worth $2 million, draws $1 million, and the tournament champion will take home $40 million.
There is hope that participation in the Club World Cup will shine a spotlight on African club football and inspire growth across the continent. Only two African clubs, TP Mazembe in 2010 and Raja Casablanca in 2013, have ever reached the final, both falling to European giants. With African teams again outnumbered three to one by European clubs, African Club Association chairman Hersi Said believes this tournament is a vital platform to showcase African talent and push for more representation in future editions.
While ticket sales for the tournament have been slow and logistical challenges may prevent many African fans from attending in person, the stakes remain high. With FIFA pledging that revenues from the Club World Cup will be reinvested globally and targeting $250 million for its solidarity investment programme, success for African teams could be transformative. For now, all eyes are on the pitch as Al Ahly, Sundowns, Wydad, and Esperance aim to defy the odds, represent the continent with pride, and seize the global stage.
Leave a comment