FIFA Club World Cup: Three Ghanaian Players Expected to Light Up Tournament in the United States

• The newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup got underway on Saturday, June 14, in Miami, Florida, USA
• Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly played out to a draw in the opening game
• YEN.com.gh has looked at three Ghanaian players expected to light up the Club World Cup this year

‎The revamped FIFA Club World Cup got underway with a draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium on June 14.

Despite the lack of goals at the tournament's opening match in Miami, the tie set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling competition.

While local supporters may not have had much to celebrate in the opening clash, anticipation is expected to build as things progress.

Big names like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer, and Erling Haaland are all set to grace the pitch, and fans around the globe are eager to see who will steal the spotlight.

Per FIFA, the 2025 Club World Cup was expanded from 24 to 32 teams (playing in eight groups) and was also rescheduled to take place in June/July, amid concerns about fixture congestion.

While no club from Ghana made it to the revised competition, owing to disappointing performances in the CAF Champions League, three Ghanaian players are still flying the country’s flag.

Three Ghanaian players contesting Club World Cup

1. Samuel Obeng (Wydad Casablanca)

The nimble left-footed forward once had the spotlight on him after a standout campaign with Ghana’s U-23 team at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Though his journey took him through the lower leagues in Spain, Samuel Obeng Gyabaa seems to be enjoying a resurgence with Wydad Casablanca.

In recent weeks, the 28-year-old has proven himself instrumental for the Moroccan side, contributing goals and assists in his recent outings.

His performances in friendlies against Sevilla and FC Porto also caught attention. With renewed confidence, the Ghanaian would enter the tournament hoping to make his mark.

However, the road ahead is challenging. As reported by FIFA, Wydad finds itself in Group G, set to face reigning champs Manchester City, Italian giants Juventus, and Al Ain from the UAE.

The Moroccan team will take on the Citizens on June 18, followed by a clash against Juventus four days later, before concluding the group stage against the serial UAE champions on June 26.

2. Yaw Yeboah (Los Angeles FC)

Once seen as a rising star, the former Lille player has worn the colours of numerous clubs across Europe.

Now at 28, he’s settled in the United States with Los Angeles FC, scoring once in nine Major League Soccer outings.

Representing a club known for its attacking football, he’s expected to add pace and creativity as LAFC tackles a tough group featuring Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance de Tunis in Group D, per One Football.

Yeboah's franchise kicks off their campaign on June 16 against the Blues, followed by the Tunisian giants four days later, before wrapping up the group stage against the Brazilian powerhouse on June 24.

3. Edmund Baidoo (RB Salzburg)

The youngest of Ghana’s trio at the Club World Cup, Edmund Baidoo, has been climbing the ranks at Austrian side RB Salzburg with remarkable speed.

Though not yet a household name, his rise has been swift and promising, earning him a regular position in one of Europe’s top development clubs.

With youth on his side and a hunger to prove himself on an international platform, Baidoo’s journey in this tournament will be one to watch.

Salzburg have been drawn in a tough Group H alongside European titans Real Madrid, Saudi giants Al-Hilal and Mexican heavyweights Pachuca.

The Austrians face the Liga MX side on June 18, the Saudi Pro League giants on June 22, and then the 15-time European champions on June 26.

Five Africans to watch at Club World Cup

YEN.com.gh also previously placed the spotlight on five African players who could steal the show at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

These include Al Ahly’s veteran captain and goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, and Espérance de Tunis keeper Amenallah Memmiche.

Al Ahly's Wessam Abou Ali and Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga are likewise tipped to make a strong impression on the global stage.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh