The new FIFA Club World Cup trophy, which the 32 best football teams worldwide will compete for in June, arrived in South Africa this week.
The FIFA Club World Cup coveted prize is making a tour to all 32 teams that will be competing with South Africa champions Mamelodi Sundowns hosting it on Thursday and Friday.
Mamelodi Sundowns qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 through a ranking pathway as a result of being one of the highest-ranked teams on the continent outside Champions League winners.
Speaking at the trophy press conference in Pretoria, Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe said:
“Today, we are not celebrating Mamelodi Sundowns going to the World Cup. Today, we are celebrating the Club World Cup coming to Africa. Make no mistake though ladies and gentlemen, our players, coaches, our staff, and our supporters are all so excited to be part of this wonderful tournament and we can’t wait for the journey to begin.”
“But that journey only starts in June. Today, we have a very rare opportunity to share this trophy with our fellow Africans - many of whom would not get the chance to see this trophy in any other circumstance. So, for the next few days, whilst this trophy is in South Africa and with the help of some of our special players, we are going to take this trophy to the schools and townships.”
From January to June, the bold, innovative, and iconic trophy is making its way through the cities of participating clubs, inspiring fans in the lead-up to the groundbreaking competition.
The trophy tour is a celebration, allowing supporters to see the biggest prize in global club football in person.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will take place across 12 stadiums in 11 cities in the USA from Saturday, June 14 to Sunday, July 13 2025.
After visiting South Africa, the trophy will move to Cairo, Egypt home to CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly before concluding the African tour in Tunisia and Morocco where Esperance Tunis and Wydad Casablanca fans can get to view and take pictures with the trophy.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in awe of the trophy saying;
“Innovative, inclusive, groundbreaking, and truly global. The new 32-team FIFA Club World Cup deserves a trophy that represents all of this. It is both prestigious and timeless; a golden trophy that is a symbol of the future and inspired by the past. The team who lift this trophy will hold the world of club football in their hands”.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opening match will be between Egyptian side Al Ahly against Leo Messi’s Inter Miami on June 15 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Tunisian side Es Tunis have a mountain to climb on June 16 against Brazilian side Flamengo in Philadelphia.
Sundowns will get its campaign going on Tuesday, June 17 against Ulsan HD in Orlando with Moroccan side Wydad set to face Man City on June 18.
