Fernandes: FIFA Club World Cup will have same effect as FIFA World Cup

Ahead of the draw for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Director of Member Associations for Africa, has emphasized the unique opportunity the expanded competition presents for the 32 participating teams, including Africa’s representatives.

The draw, set for December 5, 2024, in Miami, USA, will determine the fate of the four African qualifiers: Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco).

Fernandes, who also serves as FIFA’s Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer, described the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as a “real opportunity” and a level playing field for teams from all six confederations.

“While for major European clubs, this competition might feel routine, football transcends Europe and specific regions,” Fernandes told French daily Ouest-France. “For the other participating teams, this tournament, featuring 32 teams, is a chance to compete against the best under the global spotlight.”

The tournament will feature 12 clubs from UEFA, six from CONMEBOL, four from AFC and CONCACAF, one from OFC, and one from the host nation. Confirmed clubs include European champions Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate.

“This is a competition every player dreams of,” added Fernandes, a former Swiss international representing his country in three consecutive FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2018). “The Club World Cup offers clubs the chance to compete for the ultimate title of World Champion. It’s an emotional and career-defining experience.”

Fernandes also echoed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s remarks from the CAF Congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last October, reaffirming FIFA’s commitment to making football “truly global and accessible.”

 He expressed confidence in the spectacle the tournament will offer, scheduled to run from June 15 to July 13, 2025, across 12 cities in the USA, including Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York.

As the draw approaches, three of Africa’s representatives featured prominently in the opening day of the CAF Champions League group stage.

Holders Al Ahly delivered a dominant 4-1 victory over Ivorian debutants Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo, while Esperance thrashed Mali’s Djoliba 4-0 in Rades. However, Mamelodi Sundowns were held at home by Gabonese side Maniema to a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, Wydad Athletic Club, the only African representative not in action, can draw confidence from their 1-1 Casablanca derby draw with archrivals Raja Club Athletic over the weekend.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises to be a milestone event, bringing together the best of global club football for an unforgettable competition.