Despite losing the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns still have a shot at winning the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and a minimum of R33 million.

The Tshwane club lost to Wiliete SC of Angola in the second round of the preliminary competition for Africa's top club competition. Their chances to compete for big prizes and substantial financial rewards before the year ends, however, remain unabated despite the setback.

The CAF Super Cup final, to be held in Pretoria on November 8, will pit Sundowns against USM Alger, the defending champions of the CAF Confederation Cup. After losing in the Champions League, the South African side has another chance to win continental silverware in this match.

Then, in December, they have another big obstacle on their schedule. Sundowns are set to take part in the Intercontinental Cup's FIFA Challenger Cup on December 12.

To get there, Masandawana will have to defeat the North American champion or the South American champion in the FIFA Derby of the Americas. In this match, Sundowns will have the chance to face off against a champion from a continent other than Africa.

There is a high monetary incentive. After losing the 2025 FIFA Challenger Cup, Egyptian club Pyramids FC received $2 million, or around R33 million, according to CAFOnline.

The prize money for the 2026 tournament has not been announced by FIFA yet. But the numbers from last year give you a good idea of what you could win, and next year's numbers should be at least similar.

There is a minimum guaranty of $4 million (about R66 million) for the runner-up, and a maximum guaranty of $5 million (about R83 million) for the overall winners of the Intercontinental Cup.

The official prize-money structure for the 2026 competition will be announced by FIFA, so these figures are just estimates for now.

Therefore, Sundowns have more than just a chance to get back on track after losing the Champions League in the next weeks. Potentially lucrative opportunities and trophies await in the Super Cup final and the Intercontinental Cup route.

The South African club is looking forward to the FIFA Challenger Cup with bated breath because of the potential R33 million reward, though their December assignment is still dependent on the Derby of the Americas.

Source: https://x.com/kickoffmagazine/status/2115341603413934326?s=46