FIFA Club World Cup: Eto’o optimistic about chances of African quartet

Ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, Samuel Eto’o is optimistic. The tournament will take place in the USA from June 15 to July 13, 2025.

Four African teams will compete against 28 others worldwide. The teams are Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco). They represent Africa in this new global competition.

Eto’o is now president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT). He also serves on the Executive Committee of CAF. He believes these teams can perform well against top clubs.

“I know that the teams representing my continent will do their best,” Eto’o told DSports. He hopes they go as far as possible in the tournament.

Eto’o is a football legend, known for his time with Barcelona and Inter Milan. He won the UEFA Champions League and is confident these four teams will make Africa proud.

Al Ahly is in Group A with Inter Miami (USA), Palmeiras (Brazil), and Porto (Portugal). Esperance faces Flamengo (Brazil), Chelsea (England), and either Los Angeles FC or Club America in Group D.

Mamelodi Sundowns competes against Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Fluminense (Brazil), and Ulsan (South Korea) in Group F. Wydad is in Group G with Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy), and Manchester City (England).

“The level is quite equal; soccer is crazy now,” said Eto’o. He believes all four African teams will strive to advance far in the tournament.

The furthest an African team reached was in 2010 when TP Mazembe lost to Inter Milan. Eto'o scored during that final match.

“It was great to have an African club in the final,” he recalled. “Too bad they played against Inter Milan.”

Eto'o has experience from previous competitions with Barcelona and Inter Milan. He encourages players to cherish these moments.

“To those who play, enjoy it because this opportunity may not come again.” Now retired, he focuses on administration at national and continental levels.

A few weeks ago, FIFA announced a financial package for the competition. Each African team is guaranteed at least USD 9.55 million from a total prize pool of USD 1 billion.

Ahly will open the tournament against Inter Miami on June 14, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.