Egypt forward Trezeguet (left) has rejoined Al Ahly ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States, while South Africa's Ronwen Williams will keep goal for Mamelodi Sundowns Fifa's expanded Club World Cup offers fresh opportunities to the quartet of African sides heading to the United States for the inaugural 32-team tournament. Egypt's record 12-time continental champions Al Ahly, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Tunisia's Esperance are the teams looking to outperform European superclubs and other contenders from across the globe. No African side has won the Club World Cup, with only two reaching the final during 20 previous editions. But it now pays just to take part - the total prize pot stands at a staggering $1bn and,with $475m of that based on performance,success could secure a huge payday. Although the tournament adds more games in an already packed calendar, Esperance coach Maher Kanzari says it is "a dream" for players to take part. Ticket sales have reportedly been slow before kick-off on 15 June, but one Sundowns fan is backingthe new format introduced by Gianni Infantino,the president of football's world governing body, which is set to be held every four years. "You can't live one life," Thabo Mothabela told BBC Sport Africa. "You must change and establish new things. That's how we grow and explore." The high cost of travel and tickets may prevent many Africans, including the colourful supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns, from travelling to the USA Kanzari has called on his squad to "rise to the occasion" when they face Flamengo, Chelsea and Los Angeles FC in Group D. "Representing Esperance, Tunisia and the African continent is a huge responsibility," he told the BBC. "We know that the eyes of the fans will be on us, and we will give our utmost to demonstrate a level befitting African football." The four-time African champions will take part for the first time since 2019. "Appearing in a tournament of the calibre of the Club World Cup is a dream for every player and coach," Kanzari added. Al Ahly, meanwhile, will face Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the opening match (Sunday, 00:00 GMT) before games against Brazil's Palmeiras and Porto. The Cairo giants appointed Jose Riveiro shortly after winning their 45th Egyptian title, and have strengthened by signing Egypt forwards Trezeguet and Zizo. Wydad, who will miss out on next season's African Champions League after finishing third in the Moroccan league, open up their Group G campaign against Manchester City before facing Juventus and UAE outfit Al Ain. Egyptian club Pyramids received $4m for winning the African Champions League this season - but the continent's representatives at the Club World Cup are guaranteed more than double that sum All four African sides receive a participation fee of $9.55m - the same as the representatives from Asia and the North and Central American and Caribbean region. That figure dwarfs the $4m prize money handed tothis year's African Champions League winners Pyramids. Yet African clubs are among the poor relations at the Club World Cup. South America's six representatives will all get $15.21m, while the payments for the 12 European sides range from $12.81m to a staggering $38.19m. A group stage victory is worth $2m and a draw $1m, and the overall champions crowned in East Rutherford on 13 July will pocket $40m. The long-term question is whether the huge sums on offer could impact club competition back on the continent - especially given that between them Al Ahly, Esperance, Wydad and Sundowns won every edition of the African Champions League between 2016 and 2024. Fifa, however, says that all revenues from the Club World Cup will be distributed to club football across the globe, and it has a target of $250m for its solidarity investment programme. Outnumbered three to one by European clubs, Africa hopes to have a bigger share of the pie in future. "It's a platform that we need to showcase our potential as African football clubs," Hersi Said, the chairman of the African Club Association, told the BBC. "We need to push for more numbers in the next editions." TP Mazembe, in 2010, and Raja Casablanca, in 2013, are the only African teams to reach the Club World Cup final, losing to Inter Milan and Bayern Munich respectively Some hope that African teams playing in the Club World Cup could draw attention back to the continent's own club competitions, even if its Champions League lacks exposure and the revenue generated pales in comparison to its European equivalent. The African Football League was launched to great fanfare by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in 2023 but has not returned sinceits inaugural eight-team competition won by Sundowns. The Pretoria-based outfit, owned by Patrice Motsepe, the billionaire president of Caf, have established themselves as the dominant club in South Africa, scooping up the past eight league titles. Yet one supporter of a rival side thinks Sundowns' appearance in Group F, where they will take on Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, could help boost the Premier Soccer League. "If we are talking about the global stage, I don't think Sundowns are as known as the other clubs there," Kaizer Chiefs fan Wayne Magwaza said. "Of the African teams, it's Al Ahly that everyone knows. "If Sundowns do well it's going to have an impact on how people look at South African football and maybe bring attention to the PSL." The timing of the Club World Cup has already impacted the game on the continent, with the 2025 Africa Cup on Nationsforced to move away from a proposed June-July slotand rescheduled to begin in December. World players' union Fifpro and top European leagues lodged a legal complaint last year over what they claim is an "abuse of dominance" by Fifa, but the tournament will proceed regardless. Samuel Chukwueze's club side AC Milan will not be involved but the Nigeria winger thinks the extra games are "too much" for footballers. "The only time players [can] have rest is the time they put the tournament," the 26-year-old added. "It's very difficult playing so many games. You are going to weaken your legs and your mind, and you will not have the desire to play. "[But] if it is a tournament, then you don't have any choice. You have to play." For supporters, the chance of glory is always alluring. "Going to the Club World Cup is not child's play but we've got high hopes," Sundowns fan Mothabela said. "The way the guys are playing gives us confidence. We believe they are going to be in the semi-finals." The chances of an African side returning with the trophy may be slim, but Fifa expects the Club World Cup to usher in a new era for the global game. Whether the riches on offer in the USA drip down across the continent remains to be seen. Additional reporting by Morad Dakhil and Eshlin Vedan.
What will the expanded Club World Cup mean for Africa?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Expanded Club World Cup Presents Opportunities and Challenges for African Teams"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
The expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams for the first time, represents a significant opportunity for African clubs as they prepare to compete in the inaugural tournament in the United States. Four teams from Africa—Al Ahly from Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, Wydad Casablanca from Morocco, and Esperance from Tunisia—will face off against some of the world's top football clubs. Historically, African teams have struggled in this competition, with only two reaching the finals in the previous 20 editions. However, the introduction of a massive $1 billion prize pool, with $475 million allocated based on performance, has raised the stakes for these clubs. Esperance's coach, Maher Kanzari, emphasized the significance of participating in such a prestigious tournament, noting it as a dream for players and a chance to showcase African football on a global stage. Despite the excitement, challenges such as high travel costs and slow ticket sales may hinder the attendance of passionate African supporters at the event.
As the tournament approaches, each African team has set ambitious goals. Al Ahly will kick off against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, while Esperance faces tough opponents such as Flamengo and Chelsea. The financial structure favors participation, with each African club guaranteed a participation fee of $9.55 million, significantly higher than the prize money for the African Champions League. However, this still pales in comparison to the financial rewards for South American and European clubs. The long-term implications of the Club World Cup could alter the landscape of club football in Africa, with hopes that increased visibility will lead to greater investment in the continent's leagues and competitions. Hersi Said, chairman of the African Club Association, stressed the need for African clubs to leverage this platform to gain recognition and push for a larger share of future tournament revenues. While the Club World Cup poses logistical and competitive challenges, it also offers a chance for African teams to elevate their status and inspire local football growth, potentially influencing the perception of African football on the world stage.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the implications of the expanded Club World Cup for African football. It highlights the participation of four African teams and the opportunities and challenges they face in the tournament, emphasizing both the potential for increased visibility and financial rewards as well as logistical hurdles for fans and teams.
Opportunities for African Teams
The expanded format of the Club World Cup offers African teams a chance to compete on a larger stage against prestigious European clubs. With a prize pool of $1 billion, the financial incentives are significant, particularly for clubs like Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns. However, the article also points out the historical context, noting that no African team has won the tournament before. This creates a narrative of hope mixed with the reality of past struggles, suggesting that while the opportunity is ripe, the path to success remains challenging.
Fan Engagement and Economic Factors
The mention of slow ticket sales raises concerns about fan engagement and accessibility. The high costs associated with travel and attendance in the United States may limit the ability of local supporters to participate in the event, which could dampen the enthusiasm around the tournament. This aspect of the article aims to highlight the barriers that fans face, potentially leading to a discussion about the inclusivity of international sporting events.
Cultural Significance and Representation
The sentiments expressed by players and coaches about representing their countries and the African continent carry cultural weight. There is a strong emphasis on pride and responsibility, which resonates with African audiences. This narrative serves to inspire both players and fans, enhancing the social and cultural significance of the tournament for the continent.
Manipulative Aspects
While the article presents a largely factual account, it subtly frames the narrative to foster a sense of optimism around the Club World Cup. The language used in quotes from players and coaches can be interpreted as a form of emotional appeal, potentially manipulating readers' perceptions of the tournament's importance. However, this is not overtly deceptive but rather a common technique in sports journalism to evoke passion and support.
Overall Trustworthiness
The article appears to be reliable, as it presents factual information about the tournament and includes quotes from relevant stakeholders. However, the framing of the narrative and the focus on certain aspects over others could indicate a slight bias towards promoting the tournament's potential benefits for African football.
The piece aligns with ongoing discussions in the sports community about the need for greater representation and success of African teams on the global stage. It taps into current themes of globalization in sports and the economic implications of such high-stakes tournaments.