Al Ahly, Esperance, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Wydad Casablanca are already set to receive a guaranteed $9.55 million (R169 million) simply for qualifying for this summer’s expanded 32‑team Club World Cup in the United States, running from 15 June to 13 July. That windfall alone equals nearly nine domestic league titles in South Africa .
On top of the appearance fee, teams will earn performance bonuses: $2 million per group‑stage win, $1 million for a draw, and a hefty $7.5 million bonus for finishing top two and advancing to the knockout rounds. By comparison, CAF Champions League winners take home $4 million after 14–16 games—none will play more than seven matches in the Club World Cup .
Al Ahly open their campaign on 14 June against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, marking the competitive debut of new coach José Riveiro. The Spaniard has pledged tactics to neutralise Messi – “stopping the ball reaching him” – and has reinforced his squad with key signings, including former Villa striker ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan and winger Zizo .
Esperance replaced Romanian coach Reghecampf mid-season with club legend Maher Kanzari, whose domestic double didn’t prevent a quarter-final Champions League exit. The Tunisian side will bank on Algerian striker Youcef Belaili, who finished runner-up in the Champions League Golden Boot race .
Mamelodi Sundowns enter the tournament coming off back-to-back Champions League final losses, the latest to Pyramids. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso is under pressure, and captain Ronwen Williams heads a side drawn into Group F with Dortmund, Fluminense, and Ulsan Hyundai. Sundowns will face Ulsan on 18 June, Dortmund on 21, and Fluminense on 25 June .
Wydad Casablanca have made a final coaching change ahead of the tournament, replacing Rhulani Mokwena with Mohamed Benhachem following a strong domestic finish. Wydad added midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki and defender Bart Meijers to their squad but face a group that includes heavyweights Manchester City and Juventus. They go in as underdogs without a Brazilian opponent in their group .
With huge financial incentives and the promise of global exposure, Africa’s top clubs are set not just to compete—but to significantly boost their coffers on American soil.
