Inter Miami vs Al Ahly: A Clash of Titans in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
This Saturday, June 14 at 8 PM local time (00:00 GMT on June 15), the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida will set the stage for an exhilarating opener to the rebranded FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The match features Major League Soccer (MLS) powerhouse Inter Miami, led by the dazzling Lionel Messi, going head-to-head against the Egyptian football giants, Al Ahly, renowned for their record-breaking success.
How Did Inter Miami Qualify for the Club World Cup?
Inter Miami earned their coveted spot in the FIFA Club World Cup by finishing as the club with the most points in the MLS regular season. This achievement eclipsed the performance of LA Galaxy, who claimed the MLS Cup—the league’s premier trophy. Back in October, FIFA announced Miami’s qualification after they set a new MLS regular-season points record with an impressive 6-2 victory against the New England Revolution, tallying 74 points, one more than the previous record set in 2021.
How Did Al Ahly Qualify for the Club World Cup?
Al Ahly secured their place in the tournament by winning the CAF Champions League two seasons ago. However, their journey took a sharp turn last season when they were dethroned as Africa’s football royalty. Following a disappointing semifinal exit to Mamelodi Sundowns, coach Marcel Koller parted ways with the club. Stepping into the managerial role is Jose Riveiro, previously with Orlando Pirates in South Africa, making this match his inaugural game in charge.
Does David Beckham Still Co-own Inter Miami?
Yes, David Beckham remains a co-owner of Inter Miami. The former England and Manchester United star initially invested $25 million to buy into the franchise back in 2014, a move stemming from a clause in his contract during his playing days in MLS. Beckham has been pivotal in elevating the club’s profile since its debut in 2020, working alongside American business magnates Jorge and Jose Mas. He is often seen as the face of the team.
How Many Club World Cups Has Messi Won?
Lionel Messi is no stranger to success in the Club World Cup, having lifted the trophy twice with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011. His illustrious career makes him a critical figure in Inter Miami’s attempts to claim glory in this tournament. Head coach Javier Mascherano expressed confidence in Messi’s fitness and form, noting his extensive playing time this season. “We’re responsible for creating the right environment for him to shine,” Mascherano stated.
Is Al Ahly the Most Successful Club in the World?
Al Ahly proudly boasts an astonishing collection of 155 trophies, including their latest achievement as the champions of the Egyptian Premier League. This tally places them among the most decorated clubs globally, surpassing even the legendary Real Madrid, which has clinched 15 UEFA Champions League titles. The sheer volume of Al Ahly’s achievements cements their reputation as giants in the global football arena.
Who Else Is in Inter Miami and Al Ahly’s Group?
In the highly competitive Group A, Inter Miami and Al Ahly will face off against Brazilian club Palmeiras and Portuguese powerhouse Porto. As the tournament’s structure is newly expanded into an exhilarating 32-team format, the stakes are high for all teams involved.
Group Breakdown:
- Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
- Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
- Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
- Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, LAFC
- Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
- Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD FC, Mamelodi Sundowns
- Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus
- Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, FC Salzburg
Head-to-Head
This match marks the first encounter between Inter Miami and Al Ahly. With this being the opening match of the tournament, both teams will be eager to kick off their campaigns on a high note.
Inter Miami Team News
Coach Javier Mascherano faces some challenges with injuries riddling his squad. Fullback Jordi Alba, defender Gonzalo Lujan, and midfielder Yannick Bright are all sidelined for this critical clash. Mascherano remains hopeful their absences will be short-lived, aiming for their return in subsequent fixtures.
Al Ahly Team News
Al Ahly arrives in Miami having spent two weeks in the U.S., including a warm-up match against fellow Club World Cup participants Pachuca, which they lost in a penalty shootout. However, head coach Riveiro has a fully fit squad at his disposal, spearheaded by the talented Mahmoud Trezeguet.
How Much Does the Club World Cup Winner Receive?
The total prize pool for this revamped tournament amounts to an impressive $1 billion, with the champions set to pocket up to $125 million. This financial incentive highlights the importance of performing well not just for glory, but also for the significant financial rewards on offer.
The stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying encounter between two formidable teams. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or a casual viewer, this match is sure to be a spectacle not to be missed.
