By Issah Olegor
As the countdown to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continues, Africa’s four representatives—Al Ahly (Egypt), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)—are entering a critical phase of preparation, with each club navigating a unique blend of transitions, ambitions, and expectations.
Coaching Overhauls
Cairo giants Al Ahly find themselves in the midst of a strategic shakeup following the dismissal of head coach Marcel Koller.
The Swiss tactician, who led the team to domestic dominance, was relieved of his duties as the club seeks a more dynamic direction on the global stage.
Reports suggest that Orlando Pirates’ Spanish coach José Riveiro is poised to take over the reins—a move that could bring valuable African football experience and fresh tactical ideas to the Red Devils.
Al Ahly will test their readiness in a warm-up match against Mexican side CF Pachuca before their highly anticipated opener against Inter Miami, led by global icon Lionel Messi.
The friendlies are expected to serve as a litmus test for the club’s evolving identity and squad cohesion.
In contrast, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns arrive with stability and momentum.
Fresh from reaching the CAF Champions League final, the South Africans are high on confidence.
Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso has won plaudits for instilling attacking flair and tactical balance in the squad.
A potential friendly against Benfica has been suggested to sharpen the squad for the global stage, offering both familiarity and quality opposition.
Wydad Athletic Club, once a dominant force in African football, are struggling for direction.
After parting ways with head coach Rulani Mokwena, the Moroccan side is grappling with instability ahead of their Club World Cup campaign.
Despite reaching the CAF Champions League final in 2023 and holding a strong player core, Wydad’s immediate concern is regaining unity and tactical clarity in time for their international challenge.
Esperance de Tunis, perennial powerhouse in North African football, are looking to use the Club World Cup to rebound from their semifinal CAF Champions League exit.
Still top of the Tunisian Ligue 1, Esperance are doubling down on discipline and structure—qualities they hope will bridge the gap between domestic dominance and international glory.
High Stakes
All four the African clubs are accelerating preparations, ramping up training intensity, finalizing friendly fixtures, and monitoring squad fitness.
Transfers and injury updates are expected to dominate the headlines in the coming weeks as each team fine-tunes their strategy for what promises to be the most competitive Club World Cup yet.
This year’s tournament holds deeper significance for African football.
More than participation, it presents an opportunity for African clubs to challenge the global hierarchy, rewrite narratives, and showcase the continent’s tactical and technical evolution.
Global Context and Football’s Expanding Economic Footprint
The Club World Cup arrives at a time of unprecedented growth and global investment in football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum 2025 in Riyadh, described the upcoming 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia as a historic opportunity for football and business alike.
With football generating USD 270 billion in global GDP—70% of which comes from Europe—Infantino stressed the need for emerging markets like Saudi Arabia and the U.S. to develop their football economies.
“If the rest of the world, in particular Saudi Arabia or the United States, would do just 20% of what Europe does in soccer, we could reach over half a trillion or more of GDP impact,” he noted.
He also emphasized the growth potential of women’s football, with FIFA targeting USD 1 billion in revenue from future Women’s World Cups.
As global attention turns toward Saudi Arabia and the expanded 48-team World Cup format, the 2025 Club World Cup serves as a critical bridge—offering African clubs not just the chance to compete, but to conquer, innovate, and stake their claim in the evolving football economy.
In the final 30 days, it’s not merely about training drills or tactical systems.
For Africa’s giants, it’s a race against time—and a battle for legacy on the world stage.
