Africa’s hopes at the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup have come to an early end, with all four representatives—Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance de Tunis, and Wydad Casablanca—crashing out at the group stage in the tournament ongoing in the United States.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly, despite a decorated Club World Cup history including four third-place finishes, failed to secure a single win. Draws against Inter Miami and another group opponent, along with a defeat, saw the Cairo club finish outside qualification for the round of 16.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns offered a glimpse of progress after winning their opener against Ulsan HD of South Korea. But a narrow 4-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund and a goalless draw with Brazil’s Fluminense left them stranded on four points—just shy of qualification.
Esperance of Tunisia, drawn into a challenging group with English powerhouse Chelsea and Flamengo of Brazil, managed a solitary victory but two defeats proved too costly, ending their campaign prematurely.
Wydad Casablanca of Morocco suffered the most disappointing run, losing all three of their matches. Even with one game remaining, their elimination is already confirmed, rendering their final fixture against Al Ain a mere formality.
The group stage exit of all African clubs underscores the widening gap between the continent’s representatives and global heavyweights, as the Club World Cup prepares to enter its knockout phase with no African presence. The next round kicks off on Saturday with heavyweight clashes lined up as the tournament intensifies.
