Mamelodi Sundowns’ FIFA Club World Cup journey hit a rough patch on Saturday when they fell 4-3 to Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium.
Masandawana started strong, taking the lead in the 11th minute thanks to Lucas Ribeiro Costa. However, Dortmund quickly turned the tide with three goals before halftime — scored by Felix Nmecha (16’), Serhou Guirassy (34’), and Jobe Bellingham (45’).
The second half wasn’t any kinder to the South Africans, as Khuliso Mudau accidentally put the ball in his own net in the 59th minute, stretching Dortmund’s advantage. Though Iqraam Rayners pulled one back for Sundowns in the 62nd minute and Lebo Mothiba added a late goal in the 90th, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
Dortmund’s victory earned them three points and a $2 million prize, catapulting them to the top of Group F with four points. Meanwhile, Sundowns remain on three points following their opening win over Ulsan HD from South Korea.
With only Ulsan HD left to face, Dortmund are almost guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16. Sundowns, on the other hand, will likely need to defeat Brazilian side Fluminense on Wednesday, 25 June, to keep their knockout hopes alive.
The Money Game
Each group stage win in the tournament is worth $2 million (about R36 million), while a draw nets each team $1 million (R18 million).
Before the match in Cincinnati even started, Sundowns had already secured over R200 million in prize money — $9.55 million (R173 million) for simply appearing in the tournament, plus $2 million (R36 million) for their opening win against Ulsan HD.
If Sundowns finish in the top two of Group F and advance to the knockout stage, they stand to earn an additional $7.5 million (R136 million).
The potential earnings increase substantially the further they progress:
- Quarter-finals: $13.125 million (R237 million)
- Semi-finals: $21 million (R380 million)
- Runner-up: $30 million (R542 million)
- Champion: $40 million (R723 million)
In an ideal run, Sundowns could walk away with over $97 million (R1.72 billion) in total prize money.
Squad and Upcoming Fixtures
Sundowns’ squad, led by captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams—who made history at AFCON 2024 with his penalty saves against Cape Verde—includes 20 South Africans alongside players from Brazil, Chile, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Coach Miguel Cardoso’s 26-man squad boasts stars such as Peter Shalulile, Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners, and Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Their final Group F game:
- Wednesday, 25 June vs Fluminense – 21:00 (SA time)
A win here is critical if Sundowns want to advance to the knockout stages and chase even bigger rewards.
