The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is undergoing a historic transformation. From 2025, the tournament will feature 32 teams, expanding its global reach and excitement. This new format will debut in the United States from June 15 to July 13, turning the once modest competition into a spectacle similar to the FIFA World Cup. Among the teams competing, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns promise to be one of the most intriguing stories.

Mamelodi Sundowns: South Africa’s Pride

Mamelodi Sundowns, known for their distinctive playing style are among Africa’s most successful clubs. Their rise to prominence has been marked by numerous accolades:

2016 Club World Cup debut: The Sundowns became the first South African club to participate, finishing 6th.
2021 CAF triumphs: They were the first club to win both the men’s and women’s CAF Champions League titles in the same year.
2023 African Football League champions: Their victory in this inaugural tournament further solidified their status as continental powerhouses.

The Sundowns’ inclusion in the revamped Club World Cup adds another chapter to their illustrious history. Their ability to compete on such a grand stage underscores their potential to become a global footballing story.

How the FIFA Club World Cup Works

Tournament Structure

The expanded tournament will include 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. Each group will feature one team from Pots 1, 2, 3, and 4, ensuring diversity in matchups. Teams will play three group stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the Round of 16. From there, it’s a knockout format leading to the final.

FIFA Club World Cup Pots

The seeding for the tournament is based on club rankings and regional representation. Mamelodi Sundowns are in Pot 4, along with other lower-seeded teams such as Inter Miami, Auckland City, and Pachuca.

Here are the pots in full:

Pot 1: Powerhouses like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Flamengo, and River Plate.
Pot 2: Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and Benfica are among the teams.
Pot 3: Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Boca Juniors, and Monterrey lead this group.
Pot 4: Includes Sundowns and other underdogs like Urawa Red Diamonds and Seattle Sounders.

Each group will have one representative from each pot, setting the stage for thrilling matchups.

Sundowns’ Potential FIFA Club World Cup Opponents

As a Pot 4 team, Mamelodi Sundowns are guaranteed to face tough competition. From Pot 1, they could meet giants like Manchester City, Real Madrid, or PSG. Similarly, Pot 2 boasts elite clubs such as Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, while Pot 3 features strong teams like Boca Juniors and Monterrey.

These possible matchups promise excitement. For South African fans, the prospect of seeing Sundowns face global icons like Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami or European champions Manchester City is tantalising.

What Makes This Format Special?

Unlike the previous seven-team format, the 2025 edition offers more opportunities for diverse clashes. The tournament’s structure also provides smaller clubs like Sundowns the chance to showcase their talent on a global stage, fostering stories of underdog triumphs.

The Sundowns’ performance will be watched closely, especially as they seek their first goals in the tournament after their goalless outing in 2016. With three guaranteed group-stage matches, their chances of making a statement are much higher this time.

Key Dates

The draw for the tournament takes place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Miami, Florida, at 6 pm UK time (8 pm South Africa time). The competition itself will run from mid-June to mid-July, with matches played across 12 venues in the United States.

Conclusion

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be a landmark event in global football. For Mamelodi Sundowns, this is more than just another competition—it’s an opportunity to test their mettle against the best in the world. With their history of success and flair for beautiful football, they have the potential to become the tournament’s surprise package.

For South Africans, the Sundowns’ journey will be one to follow closely, as they carry the hopes of the nation onto the global stage.