Mamelodi Sundowns are ramping up their preparations ahead of their opening match in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, taking place in the United States. The team is currently training at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, a facility renowned for developing top-tier athletic talent. This world-class training environment aims to provide the team with the best possible chance of success in the tournament .
The tournament, which kicked off on June 14, features an expanded 32-team format and will be held across 12 cities in the U.S. Sundowns have been drawn into Group F, where they will face formidable opponents: Ulsan Hyundai from South Korea, Borussia Dortmund from Germany, and Fluminense from Brazil. Their group stage matches are scheduled as follows:
June 17 – vs. Ulsan Hyundai at Inter\&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
June 21 – vs. Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
June 25 – vs. Fluminense at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
Captain Themba Zwane expressed the team’s excitement, stating, “It’s exciting as a player to go in such a tournament and obviously you want to be playing at that high level and try to see how far you can go and check how far you are as a player and try to compete with the best.” Themba Zwane .
In addition to the competitive aspect, Sundowns stand to benefit financially from their participation. The club is set to earn a guaranteed \$9.55 million (approximately R174 million) for their involvement in the tournament. This substantial sum will enhance their status as Africa’s most valuable club and provide opportunities for further investment in player acquisitions and infrastructure .
Sundowns are focused on refining their tactics and building team cohesion to make a significant impact on the global stage. With a blend of strategic planning, skilled personnel, and a rich history, Sundowns aim to showcase the growing competitiveness of African clubs in international football.
