Mamelodi Sundowns have learned their fate for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with the group stage draw revealing their challenging opponents.
The draw, which took place at the Telemundo Centre in Miami, USA, on Thursday night, placed Sundowns in Group F alongside German giants Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense FC of Brazil and Ulsan HD from South Korea.
This is the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup and is set to be staged in the USA between 15 June and 13 July 2025. The tournament will feature 32 teams from six confederations, with Sundowns joined by Al Ahly, Wydad Athletic Club, and Esperance as Africa’s representatives.
The Tshwane giants will be making their second appearance at the World Cup. They previously participated in the 2016 edition in Japan.
Under coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s guidance, Mamelodi Sundowns will face a stern test against the likes of Dortmund and Fluminense. However, they will likely view their clash against Ulsan as a more attainable opportunity for points in the group.
TOUGH DRAW FOR AL AHLY, WYDAD AND ESPERANCE AT CLUB WORLD CUP
Al Ahly, the club of Bafana Bafana attacker Percy Tau, have been pitted against formidable teams in Group A. They will face Portuguese giants FC Porto, Brazilian powerhouse SE Palmeiras, and Inter Miami CF of the USA. Miami boasts a star-studded line-up featuring Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez.
In Group G, Wydad Casablanca, led by Rulani Mokwena, will take on Manchester City FC. This encounter provides Mokwena with the opportunity to face his managerial idol, Pep Guardiola. In addition, Wydad will compete against Al Ain FC from the United Arab Emirates and Italian giants Juventus FC.
Meanwhile, Elias Mokwana’s Esperance will also have a tough challenge ahead in Group D. They will compete against former UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea, Brazilian powerhouse CR Flamengo, and Mexican side Club León.
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