African football poised for prominence in FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Thursday 13 March 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

African football poised for prominence in FIFA Club World Cup 2025

African football is on the cusp of a significant moment as it prepares for its substantial representation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, set to take place in the United States. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed optimism about the rise of African talent on the global stage, anticipating that African players will create a remarkable impact during the tournament.

In this inaugural expanded competition, African clubs will send four representatives: Wydad from Morocco, Al Ahly from Egypt, Esperance from Tunisia, and Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa. The tournament will feature a total of 16 clubs from five different continents, with 147 African players participating and representing 22 nations across the continent.

At the recent extraordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held in Cairo, Infantino emphasized the efforts being made to amplify Africa’s voice in international football. “We are making sure that Africans can have a bigger say on the world scene,” he declared, positioning African players for greater success in future competitions.

Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the potential for doubling Africa's presence is significant, with the possibility of up to ten teams competing. The expansion also extends to women's football, as African representation at the Women’s World Cup could increase from three to four or even six teams, alongside enhanced opportunities for youth competitions.

Wydad, set to compete in Group G, faces formidable opponents, including European giants Manchester City, Juventus, and UAE’s Al Ain. This newly expanded 32-team tournament is scheduled to run from June 14 to July 13, promising a captivating showcase of talent.

During the CAF assembly, another notable event was the re-election of Fouzi Lekjaa as a member of the FIFA council. The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation secured an impressive 49 out of 52 votes. Additionally, Patrice Motsepe of South Africa was re-elected as CAF President for a second term, unopposed.

Infantino’s foresight for African football indicates an exciting chapter on the horizon, with rising talent and increased opportunities poised to shine on the global stage.