The four African qualifiers for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup currently ongoing in the United States are set to become much richer, no matter how they fare in the 32-team tournament.
The tournament, which kicked off on 15 June, will conclude on 13 July.
Previously the FIFA Club World Cup was somewhat shambolic with only seven teams taking part in a tournament no one really wanted to be part of at the end of the season.
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However, FIFA has revamped the tournament, increased the tournament to 32 teams – and coughed up $1 billion to be split between the sides!
By securing places, Al Ahly of Egypt, Esperance of Tunisia, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco are each guaranteed $9.55 million (R171 million) in appearance fees – before a ball is kicked.
That bonanza alone is the equivalent of Mamelodi Sundowns winning nine league titles in South Africa, the African country with the richest football prize money.
But that’s not all!
Every win in the group phase will be worth $2 million (R35.8 million) and a draw $1 million (R17.9 million) so there’ll be incentive to play – and win – no matter whether it’s a ‘dead rubber’ or not.
Mamelodi Sundowns have been drawn in Group F alongside German team Borussia Dortmund, Brazil outfit Fluminense and little-known South Korean side Ulsan HD.
A top-two finish and qualification for the knockout phase will be worth an extra $7.5 million (R134 million) to those 16 teams.
Should Mamelodi Sundowns finish top of Group F, they will face the runner-up in Group E.
Group E comprises River Plate from Argentina, Italy’s Inter Milan, Monterrey from Mexico and Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds.
If Mamelodi Sundowns finish second in Group F, they will face the winner of Group E.
Should Masandawana successfully navigate their way into the quarter-finals, that will be worth another $13.125 million (R235 million).
A spot in the semi-finals would be worth an additional $21 million (R376 million).
The tournament’s runner-up will receive $30 million (R537 million) while the overall winner will walk way $40 million (R716.5 million) richer.
In a best case scenario, this is how much Mamelodi Sundowns could potentially win:
| Round | Dollars | Rands |
| Appearance fee | $9.55 million | R171 million |
| Group stage | ||
| Beat Uslan HD | $2 million | R35.8 million |
| Beat Borussia Dortmund | $2 million | R35.8 million |
| Beat Fluminense | $2 million | R35.8 million |
| Reach Round of 16 | $7.5 million | R134 million |
| Reach quarter-finals | $13.125 million | R235 million |
| Reach semi-finals | $21 million | R376 million |
| Lift the trophy | $40 million | R716.5 million |
| TOTAL | $97.125 million | R1.7399 billion |
That is PROPER money and will ensure Mamelodi Sundowns get richer and the gap between the Tshwane giants and the rest of the PSL teams just widens even further.
It’s also sure to leave Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates green with envy.
The next FIFA Club World Cup is due to be held in 2029.
Mamelodi Sundowns squad
Ronwen Williams (captained), Denis Onyango, Reyaad Pieterse, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Grant Kekana, Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Mosa Lebusa, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Sphelele Mkhulise, Neo Maema, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, Tashreeq Matthews, Lebo Mothiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku
Masandawana will be captained by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who created history at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations by saving four shootout penalties to take South Africa past Cape Verde in a quarter-final.
Coach Miguel Cardoso has selected a 26-man squad including 20 South Africans, two Brazilians, a Chilean, a Ugandan, a Zimbabwean and a Namibian.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ matches are as follows (all times SA):
Wednesday, 18 June vs Ulsan HD – 00:00
Saturday, 21 June vs Borussia Dortmund – 18:00
Wednesday, 25 June vs Fluminense – 21:00
Realistically, how far will Mamelodi Sundowns progress at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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