Morocco and South Africa Lead African Player Representation at 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA

Morocco and South Africa Lead African Player Representation at 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA

Morocco and South Africa are at the forefront of African participation in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, each contributing 31 players—the highest number among African nations. 

This tournament, held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, features 32 of the world’s top club teams competing across 12 venues in 11 cities, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, and Seattle.

Globally, Brazil leads with 141 players, followed by Argentina with 103 and Spain with 54. Notably, the tournament’s squads include 26 FIFA World Cup winners, underscoring the event’s elite level of competition.

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Among the stars are 13 members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, led by Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, who is expected to feature in the tournament opener against Egypt’s Al Ahly on June 14. France’s 2018 World Cup champions are also well represented, with nine players including Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Los Angeles FC’s Hugo Lloris. 

Paris Saint-Germain’s recent European champions Ousmane Dembélé, Lucas Hernandez, and Presnel Kimpembe will also compete. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the tournament’s global inclusivity: “With 81 countries represented and 26 players aiming to win both the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, this event is a historic moment and a football feast for fans worldwide.” He highlighted the tournament’s role in crowning the first true global club world champions.

Spanish club Atlético de Madrid boasts the most World Cup winners with six, followed by Argentina’s River Plate with four. The last four World Cup-winning nations are represented by players such as Germany’s Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Spain’s Sergio Busquets and Sergio Ramos (Inter Miami and Monterrey), and former Spain captain Xabi Alonso, now coaching Real Madrid.

The tournament’s widespread reach is evident as nine of the 11 host cities will stage group matches featuring at least one World Cup winner, giving fans across the U.S. the chance to see football’s greatest talents in person.

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Players from all six FIFA confederations and 81 countries will participate, including 22 nations making their debut at a FIFA World Cup-level event, highlighting the truly global nature of the competition. Clubs submitted squads ranging from 26 to 35 players, with a busy transfer window registering 58 new players valued at $480.4 million, demonstrating the high stakes and ambitions involved.

FIFA regulations also allow clubs to make limited squad changes during the tournament from June 27 to July 3 to accommodate contract expirations and new signings, ensuring the best players remain available throughout the competition.

Fans worldwide can watch every match live and free on DAZN, the tournament’s exclusive global broadcaster, making this landmark event accessible to football supporters everywhere. 

FIFA World Cup winners in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 squads