All four African teams have failed to progress to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup. This tournament was meant to be an opportunity for African clubs to showcase their strength and prove they deserve to be taken seriously, but their performances have blown that chance away.

Heading into the tournament, many expected Al Ahly to be the flagbearers of African football, having won a record 12 CAF Champions League titles. However, the Egyptian side finished bottom of Group A. They played out a goalless draw in their opener against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, lost 2-0 to a Brazilian side in their second game, and drew 4-4 with European outfit Porto in their final match.

Tunisian side ES Tunis ended their campaign third in Group D with just one win from three matches. Initially tipped to finish bottom of the group, they surprised many with a 1-0 win over LAFC on matchday two. Their other two games ended in a 2-0 loss to Brazilian giants Flamengo and a defeat against a Premier League side.

For Wydad Casablanca, there was little they could do. They were drawn in a tough group with European champions Manchester City and Italian powerhouse Juventus. In their opening game, they lost 2-0 to Manchester City but put up a strong fight, creating clear-cut chances that unfortunately didn’t result in goals. Juventus proved too strong in their second match, handing the Moroccans a 4-1 defeat.

Mamelodi Sundowns were the best-performing African side in the tournament. They played an exciting brand of football and demonstrated why they are considered one of the most entertaining teams on the African continent. The South African side won their first game 1-0 against South Korea’s Ulsan HD FC, narrowly lost 4-3 to German side Borussia Dortmund, and held Brazilian giants Fluminense to a goalless draw.

African football must grow and develop at a faster pace if it is to compete successfully at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.