The newly reformatted FIFA Club World Cup will open with a heavyweight clash in Miami, as Egyptian giants Al Ahly face MLS side Inter Miami in the first Group A fixture. The match, taking place at the Hard Rock Stadium, marks the beginning of a tournament set to unfold across 12 American cities, with Porto and Palmeiras also competing in the group.
Al Ahly arrive in Florida as one of the most decorated clubs in global football, making a record 11th appearance at the Club World Cup, more than any other African team. The Cairo-based side has a rich trophy cabinet, including 14 CAF Champions League titles and 44 Egyptian Premier League crowns.
Backed by a six-game winning streak in domestic competition, Al Ahly bring both momentum and seasoned pedigree to the tournament. Their consistent presence on the international stage makes them early contenders to progress beyond the group phase.
For Inter Miami, this tournament represents uncharted territory. The 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners are making their debut on the global stage. However, the South Florida club is far from inexperienced when it comes to star power and leadership. Former Argentina international Javier Mascherano, now at the helm, knows what it takes to win this competition having done so twice as a player with Barcelona.
Mascherano’s side enters the match on the back of two consecutive league wins, showing signs of form that could surprise more established opponents.
This will be the first meeting between Al Ahly and Inter Miami, and only the second time an Egyptian team has faced a U.S.-based club. Al Ahly previously defeated the Seattle Sounders in the 2022 edition en route to a third-place finish. Miami, for their part, have never faced African opposition, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.
Al Ahly’s Club World Cup record stands at 11 wins, 14 losses, and just two draws from 27 matches. Defensively solid, only one of their last nine games in the competition has seen both teams score.
By contrast, Inter Miami’s backline has shown vulnerability, conceding three or more goals in six of their last nine matches. Yet, with home support and attacking firepower led by Lionel Messi, they remain a threat.
Interestingly, Miami are only the second American club to take part in the Club World Cup. If they find the net, they’ll become the first from the U.S. to score in the competition.
Al Ahly winger Hussein El Shahat has proven himself a reliable scorer on the continental stage, netting eight goals across the past two CAF Champions League campaigns. He’ll be aiming to make his mark in a third consecutive Club World Cup.
On the opposite side, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi. The Argentine icon boasts five Club World Cup goals and three titles, all with Barcelona. His experience and ability to perform in big moments could be crucial for Miami’s hopes.
Al Ahly will be without key striker Wessam Abou Ali due to international duty. Nejc Gradišar is also sidelined after sustaining an injury in a pre-tournament friendly. Midfielders Emam Ashour and Marwan Ateya remain doubtful following knocks in training.
Inter Miami have their own absentees, with Jordi Alba and David Ruíz both unavailable for the tournament opener.
