Mamelodi Sundowns have now learned their fate for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States at the end of the season. The South African giants, who are the defending champions of the Betway Premiership, have been drawn into the highly competitive Group F, where they will face some of the best clubs from across the globe. This will be the first time Sundowns will participate in the expanded edition of the Club World Cup, which will feature 32 teams from all corners of the world.
The competition is set to be a major milestone in the history of the FIFA Club World Cup, as it will be the first time that 32 teams will compete in the tournament, reflecting the global nature of football and the rising competition among clubs from various continents. Africa will have four representatives in the tournament: Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco, and Esperance of Tunisia. This makes the stakes even higher for African clubs, as they seek to make their mark on the global stage.
Mamelodi Sundowns, drawn in Pot 4, were handed a tough draw as they were placed in Group F, alongside some formidable opponents. Their group includes Fluminense from Brazil, the 2024 UEFA Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund, and the Korean club Ulsan Hyundai. Each of these teams brings its own brand of football and presents a unique challenge for Sundowns. Fluminense, known for their attacking flair and strong presence in South American football, will offer a formidable test for the South African club. Borussia Dortmund, a giant in European football, will be looking to bounce back after their near-miss in the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, while Ulsan Hyundai, one of the top teams from South Korea, will add further competition with their solid and disciplined style of play.
For Rulani Mokwena, the current head coach of Wydad Athletic Club and former Sundowns manager, the draw holds special significance. Mokwena will face off against his former club, but the most exciting aspect of the draw for him will be the chance to meet his idol, Pep Guardiola. Mokwena’s Wydad AC has been drawn into Group G, where they will face off against Guardiola’s Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain FC from the UAE. This will be a thrilling match-up for Mokwena, who has long admired Guardiola’s football philosophy and managerial prowess. Wydad’s strong defensive setup and quick transitions will be put to the test against the likes of Manchester City, who are known for their possession-based football and high pressing. Juventus, with their defensive solidity and attacking options, will also present a major challenge, while Al Ain FC, despite being less well-known on the global stage, will look to make their mark in the tournament.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be a defining moment for all the participating teams, as they look to prove themselves on the global stage. For Mamelodi Sundowns, the challenge of facing such accomplished teams will provide a great opportunity to test their own abilities and demonstrate the growing strength of African football. Sundowns’ strong squad, led by coach Rulani Mokwena, will be expected to rise to the occasion and compete with the best teams in the world. Their solid defense, quick transitions, and overall tactical discipline will be key in facing the attacking prowess of their group opponents.
For Mokwena, leading Wydad in the tournament will be a special moment, not only because he faces off against his former club but also because it marks a new chapter in his managerial career. Having taken Wydad to great heights, including winning the CAF Champions League, Mokwena will now have the opportunity to test himself against some of the best coaches in the world, including Guardiola. This will be a challenge he will relish, as he continues to build his reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in African football.
As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup draws closer, excitement will continue to build around the matchups, with fans eagerly anticipating the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best teams and players go head-to-head. Mamelodi Sundowns’ participation in the tournament is a major milestone for South African football and African football as a whole, as they will be flying the flag for the continent on the global stage. The competition promises to showcase the best that world football has to offer, and with Sundowns in the mix, African football fans will be hoping for a strong showing from their representatives.
In summary, Mamelodi Sundowns’ inclusion in Group F of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, alongside strong teams like Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, and Ulsan Hyundai, promises to provide exciting and challenging encounters. The added drama of Rulani Mokwena facing his former club and idol Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City only heightens the anticipation for what will be an unforgettable tournament. As the teams prepare to compete for global supremacy, the eyes of the football world will be on the United States, where history will be made.
