FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Begins African Tour Ahead of 2025 Tournament in the U.S.

With just months remaining before African clubs face the world’s elite at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, the new FIFA Club World Cup trophy has made its debut on African soil. This tour is part of the build-up to the eagerly anticipated tournament, set to take place from 14 June to 13 July 2025.

The newly expanded competition will feature 32 top clubs from around the globe, including four strong representatives from Africa: Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad AC (Morocco).

The trophy's African journey commenced on Thursday, 8 January, with Mamelodi Sundowns hosting the first leg of the tour. The event was graced by the club’s chairman, Tlhopie Motsepe, alongside the technical team and the entire squad. Reflecting on the occasion, Motsepe shared a heartfelt sentiment:

“There is a saying in isiZulu that goes, 'one hand washes the other.' Just as this trophy will inspire many South Africans and Africans through the prestige it holds and the incredible players who have lifted it in the past, we will ensure it continues to move with the spirit of Africa,” he remarked.

This year’s tournament will mark Mamelodi Sundowns’ second FIFA Club World Cup appearance, following their debut in Japan in 2026. The South African champions are placed in a challenging Group F, where they will compete against German giants Borussia Dortmund, Brazilian side Fluminense FC, and Korean powerhouse Ulsan HD.

Following its stop in South Africa, the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy will continue its African tour, heading to Cairo, Egypt, on Monday. The journey will then proceed to Tunisia and Morocco, where it will be warmly received by Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Wydad AC, respectively.

As excitement builds for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the trophy tour not only celebrates African football’s rich heritage but also serves as a source of inspiration for the continent’s clubs and fans alike.