FIFA Club World Cup: First African team ELIMINATED
After just two group stage matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, the first African team has been eliminated.
The African continent is represented by four of the 32 teams taking part.
They are Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) and Wydad AC (Morocco).
All four sides were paid $9.55 million in appearance fees.
However, after just two fixtures, Wydad AC are preparing to pack their Club World Cup bags.
In their defence, the Moroccan side where drawn in a tough Group G where they lost 2-0 against English giants Manchester City in their opener and then 4-1 against Italian side Juventus.
However, thanks to the prize money structure in place, they do have the chance of adding to their appearance fee total in their final group stage match.
As a reminder, every group stage win is worth $2 million, while a draw will see both sides pick up $1 million.
Losers leave empty-handed.
Wydad AC will take on fellow winless side Al Ain on Thursday, 26 June at 15:00 (SA time).
Meanwhile, Al Ahly will have to beat Portuguese side Porto in their final Group A match on Monday, 23 June to avoid being eliminated.
Anything less than a full three points will see the Egyptian side fall short of the Round of 16 – and even that may not be good enough.
Elsewhere, Esperance de Tunis also face a daunting task in having to beat Chelsea in order to progress to the next stage.
That clash will take place on Tuesday, 24 June.
Finally, from a South African point of view, Mamelodi Sundowns still have a chance of progressing to the Round of 16 despite having lost 4-3 against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Masandawana will likely have to upset Brazilian side Fluminense in their final Group F clash on Wednesday, 25 June at 21:00 (SA time) in order to stay in the tournament.
Should they draw with Fluminense, they will have to rely on already eliminated Ulsan HD pulling off a shock two-goal win over unbeaten Borussia Dortmund.
In Group C, Auckland City from New Zealand will be preparing to pack their bags after losing 10-0 to Bayern Munich and 6-0 to Benfica in their opening two matches.
They will be looking for better fortune – and perhaps a goal – in their final clash against Boca Juniors on Tuesday.
Auckland City received $3.58 million in participation fees.
In Group D, Los Angeles FC have been eliminated after going down 2-0 to Chelsea and 1-0 against Esperance de Tunis.
They too will be hoping to end their campaign on a winning note against Flamengo on Tuesday.
Los Angeles FC earned $9.55 million for taking part.
In Group E, Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds will head home after the group stage is complete having lost 3-1 to River Plate and 2-1 to Inter Milan.
Urawa Red Diamonds will end their tournament against Monterrey on Wednesday.
The Japanese side also earned $9.55 million in appearance fees.
In Group F, South Korea's Ulsan HD will also see their tournament come to a premature end having lost 1-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns and 4-2 against Fluminense.
Ulsan HD face a daunting final clash against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, but did earn $9.55 million for showing up.
In Group G, both Wydad AC and Al Ain have been eliminated having lost to Manchester City and Juventus.
To be fair to the Moroccan and UAE sides, they were drawn in the 'group of death' and were always going to face a daunting challenge to progress.
There's more money on the line for both team's, however, when they clash on Thursday this week.
Both Wydad AC and Al Ain earned $9.55 million in appearance fees.
Finally, in Group H, Mexico's Pachuca will be leaving after the group stages are complete having lost 2-1 to Red Bull Salzburg and 3-1 against Real Madrid.
They will take on Al-Hilal in their final group clash on Thursday.
Pachuca banked $9.55 million for qualifying for the tournament.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
The real reason why Rulani Mokwena did not get the Pirates job
Rulani Mokwena was the hot favourite for the Orlando Pirates job; however, the Buccaneers announced Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Ouaddou takes over the reins ahead of the new season, replacing Jose Riveiro at the helm following his decision to step down to join Al Ahly, after a successful three-year tenure. Recently, Mokwena has been linked to teams like Pyramids FC, Yanga SC, and Zamalek, although he ruled himself out of contention for the latter Egyptian team. According Soccer Laduma , Pirates were keen to give Rulani a chance. 'There was interest in coach Mokwena from other clubs and it's believed that Pirates wanted to give him that chance and they were looking at other coaches as well who could suit their criteria and they found one,' a source told the publication. 'You know what was happening was a tricky situation. You recall I told you that only the hierarchy of the club was talking to Rulani? Then it came to light that they won't go for him. They had their own reasons why they had to look at other coaches. Yes, it's believed that the club hierarchy was talking to him but at the end of the day they(Pirates) made their decision and Rulani was not the one,' the second source added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
New Orlando Pirates striker: 10 goals in 83 matches
Orlando Pirates have reportedly completed the signing of a rising PSL star. The Buccaneers are hoping to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for league honours next season. Pirates know very well their strikers need to be on point next season should they have any hope of dethroning their rivals. And now, the club have bolstered their attack with a promising new striker. READ MORE • Eight NEW Kaizer Chiefs players to travel to Europe with Nabi! READ MORE • African giants open talks with Sundowns star! After the arrival of new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, a host of new signings are expected to follow. Richards Bay striker Yanela Mbuthuma has reportedly sealed a move to Orlando Pirates. The 23-year-old has already made 83 top flight appearances! In total, Mbuthuma has scored 10 goals while assisting eight more for Richards Bay. While his numbers aren't exactly 'prolific', with the right support and coaching the youngster could become a top striker for Bafana Bafana at the Buccaneers! ' SABC Sport can confirm that Orlando Pirates have concluded a deal for Richards Bay forward Yanela Mbuthuma,' the publication reported. READ MORE • Pirates name their asking price for Relebohile Mofokeng! Do you think the 23-year-old striker has what it takes to be a success at the Buccaneers? While his talent is undeniable, the immense pressure at Orlando Pirates has crushed loads of talent in the past! Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Two extensions and five exits
Kaizer Chiefs have taken two major transfer decisions. While wholesale changes happen around them, two Amakhosi stars will sleep peacefully knowing their positions at Naturena are intact. READ MORE • Eight NEW Chiefs players to travel to Europe with Nabi! Let's take a look at the details below. READ MORE • African giants open talks with Sundowns star! Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly reached an agreement with defender Zitha Kwinika over a contract extension. The Amakhosi academy graduate's contract was due to end next week. However he'll reportedly now remain at Chiefs for one more season! 'Following his strong finish last season, Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika has signed a contract extension with the club,' a FARPost report read. Furthermore, captain Yusuf Maart has also extended his contract at Naturena, as per Unplayable. In terms of outgoing players at Naturena, the list has now reached five! Mduduzi Mdantsane, Sabelo Radebe, Njabulo Blom, Edmilson Dove and Ranga Chivaviro have all left the club. READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs spot huge chance to sign Sundowns man! Nasreddine Nabi's side will be competing for four trophies next season. Which other players do you think Kaizer Chiefs need to sign to stand a chance of lifting them? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
