The passionate supporters of Kaizer Chiefs have been left frustrated as the club missed out on qualifying for the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, while South African rivals Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place.
Despite the excitement around the revamped global tournament, Kaizer Chiefs fell short of meeting the strict qualification requirements. Clubs needed to either win the CAF Champions League or earn enough points in the CAF four-year club rankings to qualify.
The African representatives filling the four spots were Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), and Esperance (Tunisia).
How Amakhosi Missed Their Chance
To qualify, Kaizer Chiefs had to win at least one CAF Champions League title between 2021 and 2024. Their golden opportunity slipped away in 2021 when they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Al Ahly in the final. Subsequently, Wydad Casablanca clinched the 2022 title, followed by Al Ahly’s back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024.
With no title to their name during this period, Chiefs then relied on the CAF club rankings, which reward consistent semifinal appearances. Unfortunately, the Glamour Boys ranked far below the top clubs, missing out to teams like Esperance and Sundowns who earned their spots through consistent continental success.
The Road Ahead: Will Chiefs Ever Make It Back?
Looking forward, Kaizer Chiefs currently have no pathway to the next FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, as they have not qualified for the upcoming CAF Champions League following a disappointing league finish last season.
For Amakhosi to make a comeback on the world stage, they must qualify for and win the CAF Champions League between 2026 and 2029.
There is some hope, though. Rumors are swirling that FIFA plans to expand the Club World Cup from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2029, as reported by beIN Sports and The Guardian. This expansion could introduce new qualification criteria, possibly giving clubs like Kaizer Chiefs an additional chance to participate.
If FIFA proceeds with this plan, the tournament will become bigger and more competitive — a development that might just work in favor of the Soweto giants.
