Preview: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Opener
The highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off with an intriguing Group A clash: Inter Miami CF facing off against Egyptian & African powerhouse Al Ahly SC. This historic encounter, set for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, marks the debut of FIFA’s expanded 32-team tournament.
Al Ahly, the reigning African champions, are in Group A alongside Inter Miami, Brazil’s Palmeiras, and Portuguese champions Porto in the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup.
As part of their preparations, Ahly lost 5-3 on penalties to Pachuca after a 1-1 draw in a friendly earlier this week.
All players are fit and available for selection, according to a team statement on Thursday.
Ahly arrived in the US last week to begin their training camp ahead of the tournament’s kickoff.
Here are the confirmed kickoff times in the United States & Canada:
Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 PM
Central Time (CT): 7:00 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM
A New Era for Club Football Kicks Off
This match signals the dawn of a new era in international club football. FIFA’s ambition is to transform this competition into a genuine global club championship, bringing together representatives from every confederation in a format that mirrors national team tournaments.
How to stop Lionel Messi?
Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro conceded it would be almost impossible to stop Lionel Messi when his team plays Inter Miami at the FIFA Club World Cup opener.
“There’s no way to really prepare for Messi,” Riveiro told ESPN on Tuesday.
“You have to be disciplined against him. Our job is to make sure he doesn’t receive the ball easily.”
“Once he has the ball, he does what he’s always done,” he added.
“He needs special attention, but he’s used to that kind of pressure.”
“Messi is a great player in a strong team, but we are ready for the challenge,” said Riveiro.
The Spanish coach also expressed excitement about competing on the world stage and pledged to give everything to make a strong impression.
“I’m very enthusiastic and happy to be playing in the Club World Cup,” he said.
“We will face tough teams, but we arrived early to prepare and adapt.”
Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour is confident that the record African champions can triumph at the FIFA Club World Cup. He asserted that his team has the capability to compete against any side, including top European clubs.
“What’s stopping Ahly from winning the Club World Cup? Whether we face Real Madrid or anyone else, it’s eleven against eleven. We have history and big names just like they do,” Ashour said.
Inter Miami, qualifying as the host nation’s representative after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, brings a star-studded lineup featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Their blend of global experience and attacking flair will be severely tested against Al Ahly, a formidable force in African football and three-time CAF Champions League winners in the last four seasons.
