The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup marks a significant transformation for club football, featuring an expanded format with 32 teams competing across the United States from June 14 to July 13.
This reimagined tournament showcases champions from all six continental confederations, engaging in a group stage followed by knockout rounds, which guarantees a month-long celebration of global football.
Among those poised to dazzle on this prestigious platform are three Ghanaian players representing their respective clubs: Yaw Yeboah of Los Angeles FC, Edmund Baidoo of RB Salzburg, and Samuel Obeng of Wydad Casablanca.
Each athlete brings distinct skills and aspirations as they strive to make an impact in this landmark competition.
Yaw Yeboah – Los Angeles FC (MLS)
Yaw Yeboah joined Los Angeles FC in early 2025, having previously earned recognition while assisting Columbus Crew in winning both the Eastern Conference and Major League Soccer Cup titles in 2023, followed by a Leagues Cup victory in 2024.
Renowned for his speed, dribbling ability, and creativity, Yeboah has garnered a fan following in MLS. However, the Ghanaian has found it challenging to settle at LAFC, having featured in just nine matches so far.
After a five-month wait, Yeboah finally netted his first goal for LAFC against the Seattle Sounders. During the play-in final for the Club World Cup, he was brought on in the 120th minute to help secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Club America.
With only four starts since his arrival, it would be surprising to see the 28-year-old play a significant role in the Club World Cup. However, if given the opportunity as a substitute, he could make a strong case for himself.
LAFC finds itself in a tough group alongside European giants Chelsea, African stalwarts Esperance Tunis, and Flamengo.
While Chelsea is favoured to top the group, LAFC could still contend for the runners-up position, which may be sufficient to advance to the knockout rounds.
Edmund Baidoo – RB Salzburg (Austrian Bundesliga)
Edmund Baidoo has been with RB Salzburg since mid-2024, having joined from Norwegian club Sogndal.
The 19-year-old has quickly emerged as a reliable forward, celebrated for his keen eye for goal, strong work ethic, and tactical awareness.
Baidoo has played a vital role in Salzburg’s domestic campaign, contributing five goals and one assist across league and cup competitions. His vital goals and assists in the final league matches gave Salzburg a late surge towards a Champions League spot for the upcoming season.
He also showcased his talent in last season’s UEFA Youth League, scoring two goals and providing three assists in seven appearances for Salzburg’s U19 team.
In this tournament, Salzburg faces a challenging group featuring record Champions League winners Real Madrid, Pachuca, and Asian runners-up Al Hilal. Baidoo’s agility and defensive disruption will be essential against skilled opposition. Since mid-February, he has featured in every Salzburg match and is expected to get valuable minutes in the Club World Cup as he continues to grow as a player.
Despite the tough competition, Salzburg’s experience in European football positions them as potential contenders to progress to the knockout rounds.
Samuel Obeng – Wydad Casablanca (Botola Pro)
Samuel Obeng made the move to Moroccan heavyweights Wydad Casablanca in early 2025 following commendable periods in Europe.
The 28-year-old forward has quickly acclimatised to the Botola Pro, netting two goals and providing two assists in 11 outings.
Wydad clinched their spot in the Club World Cup as the 2021/22 CAF Champions League winners, triumphing over Al Ahly 2-0 in the final.
Obeng concluded the season on a high, starting in the last three matches and rewarding his coach’s trust with goals and assists in those encounters. He has also commenced both friendlies against Sevilla and Porto as preparations ramp up for the tournament in the US.
For Obeng, once a player of great promise, the Club World Cup presents a platform to showcase his talents on a global scale.
However, success won’t come easy, as Wydad faces the formidable 2023 treble winners Manchester City, Italian powerhouses Juventus, and UAE side Al Ain.
While progressing may be an uphill battle, a commendable performance would not only bolster Obeng’s profile but also enhance the standing of African club football.
_______________________________________________
Sponsored:
FIFA Club World Cup – Every Game Free, exclusively on DAZN.
Sign up here to start streaming.
_______________________________________________
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
