The 2025 Club World Cup marks quite a historic occasion for African football. Four teams will face off against global giants. This article breaks down their tactics, strengths and what that means for the continent’s future.

The FIFA Club World Cup is getting a new 32-team format in 2025, and it’s a huge deal for African clubs. Al Ahly, Wydad AC, Esperance de Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns will be going up against some of the best teams from Europe and South America. For Africa, it’s a chance to address financial and competitive divides that have kept its clubs behind the world’s best. Find out how tactical innovation and resilience can help them win.

Africa’s Historic Path to the World Cup

African teams have repeatedly shown that they belong here, even when the prize has not been within reach. Expectations were shattered by TP Mazembe’s 2010 final run and Raja Casablanca’s repeat in 2013, but Al Ahly has four bronze medals to show consistent competitiveness. But no African side has won the tournament before, highlighting deeper issues such as financial gaps and talent fleeing for wealthier leagues.

The expanded format means more high-stakes matches and faster tactical development. African clubs have historically done well against Asian and CONCACAF opponents, but not against UEFA and CONMEBOL giants. There are 12 European teams and six South American teams in 2025. Yet, it’s the exposure that gives teams experience.

Betting Odds and Realistic Expectations

Bookmakers see African teams as longshots – Sundowns and Wydad 500/1. Al Ahly (150/1) and Esperance (251/1) have slightly better odds, but progression depends on beating third-place group rivals. The tactical consistency of Sundowns means they are the best bet for a knockout stage run. If you are interested in following the odds according to bookmakers, some offer bonuses like this one, which is reviewed here and available to use in Nigeria. This bonus is available during sign-up and has been reviewed by Oddspedia. It’s important to read the terms and conditions to ensure a safe and secure experience.

The odds reflect a persistent reality: African clubs have closed the gap in continental competitions. But they still face a big step towards competing against Champions League-caliber sides. The historical data also supports this. No African team has ever beaten a European champion in the Club World Cup history. Al Ahly’s 2021 loss to Bayern Munich is the most recent example of this competitive discrepancy.

But the expanded format opens up new possibilities. With second-place group finishes potentially offering good knockout matchups, a quarterfinal appearance for an African team would be fruitful. And for bettors, the value could be elsewhere. Instead of betting on the tournament victory itself, look at alternative markets such as group stage points totals or individual match outcomes.

Al Ahly’s Dynasty Gets a Definitive Test

Egypt’s Al Ahly enters the competition as Africa’s most experienced club with ten previous CWC appearances. Their 2024-25 domestic campaign saw them win 23 league games, an impressive feat. Recent setbacks raise questions, however. An exit to Sundowns in the CAF Champions League semi-final and potential injuries to key defenders could shake their stability.

Al Ahly faces a mental test in Group A with Palmeiras, Porto, and Inter Miami. Their defensive system needs cohesion and could be shattered by a possible coaching change. How they adapt will determine whether they advance.

Widad AC Fights Against Instability

Widow AC qualified via their 2021-22 Champions League triumph but is currently in decline. A third place in Botany Pro and no continental competition in 2024-25 suggest struggles. A mid-season managerial switch sees Amine Benhachem replace Rhulani Mokwena. Plus, rumours of Cristiano Ronaldo joining could change things.

And in Group G, they face Manchester City and Juventus. For obvious reasons, it’s a near-impossible task. Having played no recent high-level matches, Wydad’s direct style could struggle against elite possession-based teams. It is through set-pieces and counter-attacks that they have the best chance.

Esperance de Tunis vs. Stiff Competition

Tunisia’s Esperance has shown tactical discipline and domestic dominance. They qualified for this tournament by winning the 2024-25 league title with two losses. Their attacker, Yousef Belaili, has scored 19 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, but they have failed to win in three CWC attempts.

The hosts have to find a way to turn their solid defense into some actual attacking plays against Chelsea and Flamengo in Group D. They really need to be sharp in front of the goal to turn those draws into some surprising wins.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Tactical Revolution

Among Africa’s most tactically advanced sides, Sundowns are one of the best. You can watch them play with a “Shoe Shine & Piano” philosophy where quick passing and positional fluidity combine to give them a significant goal difference in 2024-25. In contrast to many other African outfits that rely on individual stars, Sundowns’ structured approach could trouble Group F rivals Fluminense and Dortmund.

Injury to defenders like Rushine De Reuck is worrying, but adaptability helps to buffer weaknesses. And if any African team can surprise, it is Sundowns.

A Foundation for the Future

The 2025 Club World Cup is a challenge but also an opportunity for African football. Although immediate success is unrealistic, the tournament is a catalyst for long-term development. The four participants also have ambitions for a continent hungry for football success.

They will shape perceptions, affect investment and possibly inspire the next generation of African talent. And with the football world now looking at this expanded format, African clubs have their best chance of proving they belong at the highest level yet. Lessons learned here might be more valuable than any single win.