Al Ahly vs Inter Miami

2025 FIFA Club World Cup Kicks Off with Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly Showdown

The wait is over—the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup begins this Sunday (BST) with a blockbuster opener as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami take on African giants Al Ahly at Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium.

This expanded 32-team tournament features elite clubs from across the globe, with Inter Miami and Al Ahly joined in Group A by Brazil’s Palmeiras and Portugal’s Porto. While Al Ahly face a tough challenge translating their continental success to the world stage, they’re a team no opponent can afford to underestimate.

Al Ahly: Africa’s Most Decorated Club

The "Red Devils" are a powerhouse in African football, holding a record 45 Egyptian Premier League titles and making their 10th Club World Cup appearance thanks to their recent CAF Champions League triumphs (2020-21, 2022-23, 2023-24).

Only Real Madrid (15) and Auckland City (13) have more continental trophies than Al Ahly’s 12, and they’ve proven themselves on this stage before—finishing third four times in the past decade.

However, the Egyptian giants arrive in Florida amid a managerial shake-up. Marcel Koller was dismissed in April after a heartbreaking Champions League semifinal exit to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns (losing on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw). New boss José Riveiro now takes charge, but his debut got off to a rocky start with a penalty shootout loss to Mexico’s Pachuca in a recent friendly.

Inter Miami: MLS Stars Ready for the Spotlight

Led by Lionel Messi, Inter Miami has quickly become one of MLS’s most glamorous teams, boasting a star-studded roster that includes former Barcelona legends Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

Co-owned by David Beckham, the Herons earned their Club World Cup spot by dominating MLS in 2024—winning the Supporters’ Shield with a record 74 points. Though they stumbled in the CONCACAF Champions Cup (losing 5-1 on aggregate to Vancouver Whitecaps), they’ve shown flashes of brilliance lately, including big wins over Montreal (4-2) and Columbus Crew (5-1).

Still, Miami’s form has been inconsistent (just 4 wins in their last 12 games), leaving questions about whether they can rise to the occasion against seasoned international opponents.