Mamelodi Sundowns are off to a flying; and lucrative start at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, raking in $11.55 million after just one match.
The South African champions edged South Korea’s Ulsan HD 1-0 on Tuesday, with Iqraam Rayners netting the winner.
That result, combined with FIFA’s new prize structure, sees the Pretoria side pocket $9.55 million in appearance fees and a $2 million win bonus.
Under the revamped format, each group stage win brings in $2 million, while a draw fetches $1 million. Progressing through the knockout rounds escalates the rewards dramatically: $7.5 million for the Round of 16, $13.125 million for the quarters, $21 million for the semis, and $30 million for a spot in the final. The ultimate prize? A staggering $40 million for the champions.
If they go all the way, Sundowns could bank a tournament-high $97.125 million—money that could further widen the gap between them and rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Next up in Group F: Borussia Dortmund on June 21 and Fluminense on June 25.
