As anticipation builds for the maiden expanded edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, African football icon Samuel Eto’o has voiced strong confidence in the continent’s representatives to leave a lasting impression on the global stage.

The tournament, set to run from 15 June to 13 July 2025 across 11 cities in the United States, will see four African clubs—Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)—compete among 32 of the world’s best.

Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation and CAF Executive Committee member, believes the African quartet has the pedigree and passion to challenge the traditional football powerhouses.

> “I know the teams representing my continent will give everything to go as far as possible,” Eto’o told DSports in an exclusive interview. “Now, football is unpredictable. The level is quite equal. They will do their best.”

Eto’o, a UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona and Inter Milan, is uniquely positioned to speak on such matters, having lifted the Club World Cup title with Inter in 2010—coincidentally beating African side TP Mazembe in the final. He scored in that 3-0 triumph, which remains Africa’s best finish in the competition.

The draw has handed African clubs tough groups:

Al Ahly face Inter Miami (USA), Palmeiras (Brazil), and Porto (Portugal) in Group A.

Esperance are pitted against Flamengo (Brazil), Chelsea (England), and either LAFC (USA) or Club América (Mexico) in Group D.

Mamelodi Sundowns take on Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Fluminense (Brazil), and Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) in Group F.

Wydad will battle Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy), and Manchester City (England) in Group G.

Still, Eto’o remains optimistic:

> “We were lucky to have an African club in the final once. Too bad they played against Inter. I hope that happens again.”

With over USD 9.55 million guaranteed for each African club from a $1 billion prize pool, the stakes are higher than ever.

The tournament kicks off on 14 June 2025, with Egyptian giants Al Ahly clashing with Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Eto’o had a message for players heading into the tournament:

> “Enjoy every second. This kind of opportunity might never come again.”

Though he now watches from the boardroom, Eto’o’s passion for African football remains undimmed:

> “My time has passed. Now, I just want to enjoy and see African teams shine.”