This exciting tournament will see Sundowns competing against top-tier teams from across the globe, including Borussia Dortmund from Germany's Bundesliga, Fluminense from Brazil's Serie A, and Ulsan Hyundai from South Korea's K League.

In another thrilling development, the English Premier League champions, Manchester City, find themselves in Group G, where they will face Rhulani Mokwena’s Wydad, Al Ain from the UAE, and Juventus from Italy. Mokwena is the former Sundowns coach who left the club at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.

Sundowns and Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams expressed immense pride and excitement after the draw. “It’s a wonderful draw, wonderful setup, and just so happy to see the name Mamelodi Sundowns up there with the best of the best,” said Williams, who is also a Ballon d'Or nominee.

He described the moment as truly emotional. “I got such goosebumps just seeing our name up there. Once the name came on the screen, it’s heartfelt –just an amazing achievement for the club.”

Peter Shalulile. Photo; Morgan Piek

Currently in camp in Morocco preparing for their CAF Champions League match, the Sundowns players watched the draw together, and their collective reaction when their name appeared on the screen was one of pure joy.

“Just being mentioned amongst the best and being part of such a prestigious and big tournament, it’s already enough. It’s already so big that any team that you play, you’re going to play against the best, and we’re excited,” Williams said.

He also noted his excitement for a possible match against Manchester City. “If I could have gotten maybe Manchester City because my son is a big supporter of them and I just love the football they play. So, it would have been nice. But in saying that, I’m very happy with the draw.”

Iqraam Rayners. Photo: Morgan Piek

The tournament will bring together the best football clubs from around the world, providing Sundowns with the rare opportunity to test themselves against some of the biggest names in global football.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be held across 12 cities in the United States from 15 June to 13 July 2025.

Full Group Draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:

• Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
• Group B: Paris St-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
• Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
• Group D: Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunisie, Chelsea, Club Leon
• Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
• Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus
• Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg