African giants Al Ahly of Egypt and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca have secured their places at the inaugural 32-team Mundial de Clubes FIFA, set to take place in the United States in 2025.
Al Ahly clinched their spot following their victory in the 2022/23 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, while Wydad booked their ticket through their 2021/22 Champions League triumph, under the guidance of history-making coach Walid Regragui.
The competition for the remaining two African slots is intense, with the winners of the 2023/24 Champions League and the highest-ranked club based on FIFA’s club coefficient rankings still to be decided.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Tunisia’s Esperance are in the running for these coveted positions, contingent on the outcome of this season’s Champions League, where both Al Ahly and Wydad have already reached the quarter-finals.
The inclusion of these top African clubs in FIFA’s new club world cup format highlights the continent’s growing influence and talent in global football.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a historic showcase of club football, featuring a strong African representation.
