Al Ahly FC will aim to make a strong start in Group A of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup when they face Inter Miami CF in the tournament’s opening match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, June 15.
The Egyptian giants, who secured their spot through four CAF Champions League titles between 2020 and 2024, are coming off a dominant Egyptian Premier League campaign, clinching their 45th domestic title. Meanwhile, Inter Miami, the MLS Supporters’ Shield winners and tournament hosts, are buoyed by their star-studded squad led by Lionel Messi.
Match Preview
Al Ahly, under Spanish manager José Riveiro, have been a powerhouse in African football, winning the CAF Champions League 12 times, including four titles from 2020 to 2024. Their recent form saw them reach the semifinals of the 2025 CAF Champions League, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. In their last competitive outing, Al Ahly drew 1-1 with Mexican team Pachuca in a friendly outing.
According to our latest football stats, Al Ahly have struggled to advance past the semifinals in recent world club competitions, failing to progress in their last four attempts. Despite their lack of a global superstar, their cohesive unit and recent signing of Egyptian international forward Trézéguet make them a formidable opponent.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, have been in scintillating form in the MLS, with a 5-1 thrashing of Columbus Crew in their last competitive match, where Lionel Messi contributed two goals and three assists. The Herons also impressed in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, reaching the semifinals by defeating Sporting Kansas City, Cavalier FC, and LAFC. However, their shock first-round exit in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs to Atlanta United raised questions about their consistency under pressure.
The two sides have never met before, making this a historic clash. Al Ahly’s disciplined defence will face a stern test against Miami’s attacking prowess, led by Messi, Luis Suárez, and Telasco Segovia. Inter Miami, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with Hard Rock Stadium, but slow ticket sales suggest the atmosphere may lack the intensity expected for such a high-profile opener.
Al Ahly’s recent form includes five wins and one draw in their last six competitive matches, with 19 goals scored and five conceded. Inter Miami, on the other hand, have won three, drawn one, and lost one in their last five, scoring 15 goals but also conceding 12.
Team News
For Al Ahly, manager José Riveiro is likely to rely on veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who at 36 remains a key figure in the team. Emam Ashour, considered the team’s linchpin in midfield, is expected to start, with Trézéguet potentially leading the attack. The defensive line could feature Mohamed Hany, Mostafa Al Aash, Yasser Ibrahim, and Ahmed Koka.
Inter Miami’s Gerardo Martino has a near-fully fit squad, with Lionel Messi certain to start after his recent heroics. Luis Suárez, the club’s leading scorer, is likely to spearhead the attack. The midfield is likely to be Sergio Busquets, supported by Benja Cremaschi. The backline may consist of Noah Allen, David Martinez, Maximilian Falcon and Marcelo Weigandt, with Oscar Ustari in goal.
Al Ahly possible starting lineup:
El Shenawy; Al Aash, Hany, Ibrahim, Ahmed Koka; Ashour, Marwan Attia, Afsha; Bencharki, Trézéguet; Wessam Abou Ali
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Ustari; Weigandt, Falcon, Martinez, Allen; Segovia, Busquets, Cremaschi, Allende; Messi, Suárez,
We say: Al Ahly 1-2 Inter Miami
Al Ahly’s disciplined approach and experience in high-stakes matches make them a dangerous side. Still, Inter Miami’s attacking firepower, led by Messi and Suárez, should give them the edge at home. The Herons’ familiarity with Hard Rock Stadium and their recent goal-scoring form tilt the balance in their favour, though Al Ahly’s defensive resilience could keep the scoreline tight.
