Fifa Club World Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns won't play Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, but what's in store for defending PSL champions & Caf Champions League hopefuls ahead of draw?

Sundowns are set to make their mark in next year's Fifa Club World Cup, securing qualification as one of the top four African teams from last season. Their impressive run to the 2023/24 Caf Champions League semi-finals earned them the right to represent Mzansi in the world's most prestigious inter-club competition. Downs join the ranks of powerhouse clubs like Esperance of Tunisia, Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, and Egypt’s Al Ahly. Sundowns will be the only team from Southern Africa to ever participate in the competition since it was launched in 2000.

This isn’t Sundowns' first foray into the Fifa Club World Cup. Back in 2016, under coach Pitso Mosimane, they made their debut in the tournament held in Japan. As 2016 Champions League winners, after a dominant 3-1 victory over Zamalek in the final, Sundowns secured their spot. However, their journey in the competition ended in the quarter-finals, where they were defeated 4-1 by the South Korean side, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Despite the setback, the experience provided invaluable exposure to top-tier international football.

One of the biggest attractions in next year's World Cup is the inclusion of Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains a magnet for global attention, drawing eyes to the screen whenever he steps onto the pitch, even as he moves beyond his peak. His participation in this competition adds an irresistible allure, making it a must-watch for football fans worldwide.

However, Sundowns won’t face Messi - at least not in the infant stages. The two teams have been drawn into the same pot, meaning any potential showdown with the Argentine icon will only come later in the tournament. But make no mistake, the prospect of seeing the master in action is an added layer of excitement as Sundowns set their sights on glory in the world’s most prestigious club competition.

Pot one

The first pot will see Europe and South America’s elite clubs face off. The European contingent includes titans such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and defending champions Manchester City, while South America is represented by Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and River Plate.

Pot two

The competition remains fierce with powerhouses like Juventus, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan, Porto, and Benfica, along with South America’s Boca Juniors.

Pot three

Africa’s champions, Al Ahly, join a competitive group that includes Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, Mexico’s Monterrey and Club León, and Brazil’s Botafogo.

Pot four

This is where Sundowns are placed, along with Esperance from Tunisia. This pot also features teams from Asia and North America: Al Ain (UAE), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami, and Pachuca (Mexico). New Zealand’s Auckland City represents the Oceania Football Confederation.

In a new expanded format that mirrors the World Cup and Uefa Champions League, the tournament now includes 32 clubs. These teams are drawn into eight groups of four, playing a round-robin format before advancing to a knockout stage. Group winners and runners-up progress to the knockout rounds: Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. If any match ends in a draw, extra time and penalties will determine the victor, ensuring every game counts.

As Sundowns prepare for this global spectacle, several players are expected to make a significant impact. Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s standout goalkeeper, is arguably the most high-profile player in the squad. Having been named the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world, Williams will be expected to deliver heroic performances between the posts. Should he remain in top form, his star power will only grow. Williams will get a chance to test himself against teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Chelsea, as these are possible teams Downs can face.

Themba Zwane, affectionately known as 'Mshishi,' will be 36 years old by the time the tournament kicks off, making him one of the oldest players in the competition. This could be his chance to silence doubters and prove that age is merely a number as he remains to be a talisman for Masandawana as the club anticipates his return from injury.

Meanwhile, Lucas Ribeiro, Sundowns’ dynamic 26-year-old attacking midfielder, is another player to watch. With a series of standout performances this season, Ribeiro could catch the eye of top European clubs, making next year's Club World Cup the perfect stage for his talents to shine. Having flirted with the possibility of playing for Bafana and is still keen to turn out for his native Brazil - the World Cup could be an audition for him to attract the Samba Boys.

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