Fresh off their Betway Premiership triumph, Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up to conquer the global stage with a new partnership.
The reigning South African champions, Sundowns, face a formidable challenge in Group F of the FIFA Club World Cup. They will lock horns against Brazilian giants Fluminense, German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, and Korean side Ulsan Hyundai.
The tough group presents a significant test as Sundowns look to improve on their 2016 Club World Cup performance, where they finished sixth after a loss to Jeonbuk Hyundai.
As one of four CAF representatives in the expanded tournament, Sundowns, along with Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca and Esperance, carry the weight of Africa’s expectations.
Sundowns’ group stage journey kicks off against Ulsan on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Four days later, they will take on Dortmund at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday, June 21. The Brazilians will conclude their group stage games with an encounter against Fluminense FC on Wednesday, June 25, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
CARLING BLACK LABEL BACKS SUNDOWNS FOR FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP
They’ll face these tough opponents with the backing of a new sponsor. On Tuesday in Melrose, Johannesburg, Sundowns announced that Carling Black Label Beer will be their sponsor for the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.
However, before setting their sights on the Club World Cup trophy, Sundowns have a crucial CAF Champions League final second-leg against Pyramids in Cairo this coming Sunday. After that, their focus will quickly shift to the global stage in the USA.
“Carling Black Label, Africa’s Champion Beer, has officially been named the South African beer sponsor of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup,” reads Sundowns’ statement. “As the only club from Southern Africa to qualify for this newly expanded 32-team global tournament, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club will carry the hopes of millions, backed by a beer brand that has long stood for football excellence and national pride.
“As the only Southern African club to qualify for the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup taking place in the United States this June, Mamelodi Sundowns will carry the dreams of a continent.”
Meanwhile, Sundowns ‘ senior coach, Steve Komphela, highlighted the natural synergy between the club and the beer brand
“This partnership is a meeting of champions – rooted in shared values, driven by performance, and powered by the people. Carling Black Label truly understands the pulse of South African football,” he said.
“They’ve supported fans for decades, and now they’re backing Mamelodi Sundowns as we showcase African excellence globally. We’re proud to have such an esteemed, award-winning brand on this journey with us.”
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