Mamelodi Sundowns, one of Africa’s representatives at the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, will be based at the renowned IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, as preparations ramp up for the historic tournament in the United States.
The South African champions, home to legendary former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango, are among three African clubs heading to the U.S. to compete on the global stage.
The others include Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who will split their training between Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, and The Pingry School in New Jersey, and Tunisian powerhouse Espérance de Tunis, who have selected Oakland University in Michigan as their base.
Sundowns’ selection of IMG Academy, a world-class sports training facility, places them among elite company.
The venue will serve as the team’s home for training and acclimatization ahead of their group stage fixtures. With a seasoned core led by Onyango, the Brazilians will be aiming to make a statement at the expanded global competition.
In total, 34 Team Base Camp Training Sites were confirmed by FIFA on Tuesday, spread across 14 U.S. states.
The facilities will provide training grounds for the 32 qualified clubs hailing from 20 nations, ensuring high-level preparation opportunities while embedding the tournament within local communities.
“We’re pleased to confirm the Team Base Camp Training Sites that will host qualified clubs throughout the group stage,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström. “These sites and more significantly the people and communities that surround them will welcome the world’s best, providing first-class environments and hospitality in support of the teams.”
Grafström also highlighted the tournament’s ability to forge local connections: “The clubs, their players, coaches, management, staff and fans will build incredible connections with the local people that support them throughout the tournament.”
Florida emerged as the most selected location, with nine teams choosing training bases in the state. Alongside Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and Real Madrid will also train in Florida.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ is the first edition of the tournament to feature 32 teams, reflecting the global nature of the competition.
