Match Preview
Club World Cup 2025: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami – Match Preview
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Florida
Date: Saturday night
Kick-off: 8pm local / 1am UK (Sunday morning)
Tournament Opener with Global Appeal
The 2025 Club World Cup kicks off with a fascinating Group A clash between Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly and MLS's headline act Inter Miami. The match will mark the first-ever meeting between the two sides and will be played in front of a potential 65,000-strong crowd at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Al Ahly’s Credentials
Widely regarded as the most successful club in African football, Al Ahly arrive in Florida full of confidence. Winners of four of the last six CAF Champions League titles, they are no strangers to international competition and are making their sixth appearance at the Club World Cup in the past decade. Their experience on this stage, plus a battle-hardened squad built on continental dominance, makes them a formidable opponent for any side.
Inter Miami’s Big Stage Debut
For Inter Miami, this will be their first taste of Club World Cup football, and all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, who continues to draw global attention wherever he plays. After a mixed MLS campaign, Gerardo Martino's side are hoping that home advantage and a moment of magic from Messi or Luis Suárez can kickstart their tournament.
The club is still finding its feet among world football’s elite, but this opening match presents a golden opportunity to prove they belong. Inter will know that anything less than a win will leave them with a mountain to climb against Palmeiras and Porto in what is a fiercely competitive group.
What’s at Stake
With only the top two teams in each group advancing to the knockout rounds, three points on matchday one could prove crucial. Given that Porto are struggling for form and Palmeiras are the group favourites, both Al Ahly and Inter Miami will view this clash as a must-win if they are to realistically advance.
How to Watch in the UK
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TV Channel: Channel 5 (Free-to-air)
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Streaming: DAZN (Free for subscribers)
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Highlights: Available on the DAZN app shortly after full-time
Key Players to Watch
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Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): The tournament’s headline name. Always a threat.
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Ali Maâloul (Al Ahly): Veteran full-back with a knack for contributing in attack.
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Luis Suárez (Inter Miami): Could prove decisive in tight encounters.
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Percy Tau (Al Ahly): The South African playmaker has the flair to trouble Miami’s back line.
Prediction
A tight affair is likely, with Inter Miami’s home advantage balancing Al Ahly’s experience.
Score Prediction: Inter Miami 2-2 Al Ahly
The eyes of the footballing world will be on Florida this weekend, and this opening clash could set the tone for an electric Club World Cup.