CAIRO — Al-Ahly captain Mohamed el-Shenawy expressed confidence in his team’s ability to navigate a challenging Group A at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The Egyptian giants will play tournament hosts Inter Miami following the draw held in Miami, USA.
The Red Devils, record CAF Champions League winners, will also face Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras, Portuguese giants FC Porto in a group that promises intense competition.
“As players, we gathered to watch the draw together, and I think it’s a balanced and good group that includes strong teams such as Inter Miami, Porto, and Palmeiras,” said El-Shenawy.
“I believe we have the ability to reach the knockout stage of the tournament,” added El-Shenawy according to cafonline.com.
El-Shenawy’s optimism reflects Al-Ahly’s pedigree on the continental and global stages, as the club has consistently proven its mettle in tough competitions.
With their opening match against Inter Miami at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium, the Red Devils are preparing for a spectacle that could set the tone for their campaign.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks a historic shift to a 32-team format, providing African clubs a larger stage to showcase their quality.
Europe got 12 spots and South America six to lead the field, while Africa, Asia and North America all got four – with Inter Miami essentially a fifth from North America since it has host status. Oceania got one spot.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium, New York, on July 13.
Among the powerhouse clubs in the field are: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. There´s also the four highest-ranked teams from South America: Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate and Fluminense.
Other opening matchups include: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid and Brazilian club Botafogo playing at Seattle in Group B; Monterrey against Inter Milan in Group E; and Real Madrid faces the Saudi club Al-Hilal in Group H – a showdown of superstars, with Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid and Neymar for Al-Hilal.
“It´s about inclusivity, it´s about bringing clubs from all over the world, the 32 best clubs and best players from all over the world together,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said according to AP.
For African sides, this tournament presents a golden opportunity to shine on the world stage.
Four African sides — Al-Ahly (Egypt), Wydad AC (Morocco), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) — have been drawn into competitive groups alongside some of the biggest names in world football.
Mokwena eager for Guardiola showdown
Wydad Casablanca coach Rhulani Mokwena is relishing the prospect of facing his idol, Pep Guardiola, at the FIFA Club World Cup after the Moroccan giants were drawn to play English side Manchester City.
The South African tactician expressed his excitement after Wydad was drawn in Group G alongside Manchester City, Juventus, and Al-Ain.
“For me, this is a dream come true,” Mokwena said when reacting to the tough group his Moroccan club have been placed in.
“When you are in a group like this, you cannot lose. You will play against very good teams. Manchester City, of course, we know the quality they have. Playing with the big teams in a big competition is a big dream.”
Mokwena, known for his admiration of Guardiola’s tactical philosophy, has often described the Spanish coach as his biggest inspiration.
Facing Manchester City on the global stage offers Mokwena not just a chance to compete but to showcase his own approach to the game against one of football’s greatest minds.
Despite the challenges ahead, Mokwena remains grounded in his goals.
“The aim is to sign an honorable participation and win at least one match. This is the bet, and there is no room to talk about anything else. We greatly appreciate the fans’ aspirations and promise to honour them,” he told Wydad’s official website.
Esperance will fight in CWC
Esperance coach Laurentiu Reghecampf has described his team’s FIFA Club World Cup draw as a “motivating challenge” after being placed in a demanding Group D.
The Tunisian giants will face CR Flamengo, Chelsea, and Club León in a group regarded as one of the toughest in the tournament following draw.
Representing Africa, the former CAF Champions League winners face stiff competition, but Reghecampf’s optimism highlights the team’s determination to overcome the odds.
“We’ve been placed in a tough group, which is a motivating challenge and, in itself, a good thing,” Reghecampf said after the draw.
“This competition also gives us a unique opportunity to experience a wide variety of playing styles from all over the world.
“We will do everything we can to progress through this group stage and proudly represent our colours.”
Heartfelt moment for Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams expressed pride and excitement after his team was drawn in Group F of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Williams described the draw as a significant milestone for the South African champions. “It’s such an amazing achievement for the club,” Williams said.
Group F places Sundowns against Brazilian giants Fluminense, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, and South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai.
“Seeing our name up there with the best of the best gave us goosebumps. Watching it together as a team was a heartfelt moment, and we’re excited to represent our colours on this global stage.”
Williams highlighted the tough nature of the group but expressed confidence in their ability to compete.
“It’s a wonderful group,” he added according to cafonline.com.
“Fluminense is a team we’ve studied a lot because of their similar style of play. Facing Borussia Dortmund will be special, especially for our teammate Tashreeq Matthews, who used to play for them.
“And the Koreans are known for their fast, intense football. We’re ready for the challenge and can’t wait for the tournament to begin.”
The expanded 32-team format of the Club World Cup, which runs from June 15 to July 13, provides African clubs a golden opportunity to showcase their quality.
Tough Groups for African Clubs
Four African sides are set to test their resolve against world football’s elite:
- Al-Ahly (Egypt): Group A – Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Portugal), Inter Miami (USA).
- Wydad AC (Morocco): Group G – Manchester City (England), Juventus (Italy), Al-Ain (UAE).
- Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia): Group D – Flamengo (Brazil), Chelsea (England), Club León (Mexico).
- Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa): Group F – Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan HD (South Korea).
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