Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami will lock horns in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday evening.
The much-anticipated and revamped tournament gets underway this weekend and all eyes will be on Lionel Messi and his band of former Barcelona allies for the curtain-raiser. Controversially qualifying as a host side based on their 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield triumph, Javier Mascherano’s team will be aiming to give a strong account of themselves on the world stage and have the advantage of match sharpness given they’re midway through their campaign.
With Porto and Palmeiras to come for the Herons, earning victory from their first outing is of paramount importance to progression beyond the group stage. They head into the clash with Al Ahly off the back of two thumping MLS victories, but their underwhelming defensive record means they have lost five of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Al Ahly seldom tasted defeat en route to their record-extending 45th Egyptian Premier League title in 2024–25, closing out the term with six consecutive victories. Making their tenth appearance at the Club World Cup, they qualified based on winning three of the last five CAF Champions League crowns—a competition they have won seven times more than the next-best performer.
Here is guide to the game.
Watch the FIFA Club World Cup live and on-demand here
