Club World Cup: African clubs head home with full pockets
Despite going out in the group stage, the African clubs leave the Club World Cup with a healthy financial windfall.
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Four African clubs took part in the 2025 Club World Cup: Al Ahly (Egypt), Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa). All were knocked out in the group stage. But while they did not shine on the pitch, they can console themselves with the prize money they have banked.
Mamelodi Sundowns take home the biggest cheque
The South African club, Mamelodi Sundowns, leave the competition with $12.55 million, around 7.5 billion CFA francs. The pot is made up of: $9.55 million (around 5.7 billion CFA francs) in participation fees, $2 million (1.2 billion CFA francs) for a win and $1 million (600 million CFA francs) for a draw against Fluminense. With 4 points, the 2016 African champions finished 3rd in their group behind Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, but ahead of Ulsan Hyundai.
Al Ahly and Espérance share the same pot
Cairo side Al Ahly and Espérance de Tunis each leave with $11.55 million (around 6.9 billion CFA francs). These sums include the participation fee and one group-stage win. The money should allow these two giants of the continent to invest in their respective squads, with both aiming to be back at the top of African football next season.
Wydad Casablanca get the minimum
Wydad Casablanca, for their part, have so far received only the participation fee of $9.55 million, around 5.7 billion CFA francs. The Moroccan club could reach $11.55 million, the same as Espérance and Al Ahly, if they win their classification match against Al Ain (United Arab Emirates).
A windfall that changes the picture
Despite failing to reach the second round, these sums represent a real economic boost for African clubs. They could help them strengthen their squads, improve their infrastructure, or hold on to talents who are often lured by Europe or the Gulf. In a context where clubs on the continent suffer from limited resources, the Club World Cup, even with an early exit, becomes a strategic financial opportunity. It could raise the overall level of African interclub competitions… and perhaps shake things up in the next CAF Champions League.