Inter Miami will face Al Ahly in an exciting match to kick off the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. This highly anticipated game is set for Saturday, June 14, at 8 PM local time in Miami, Florida, which is midnight GMT on June 15. Fans can catch all the pre-match action starting at 6 PM local time on Al Jazeera Sport.
This match marks the beginning of a month-long tournament featuring 32 teams from around the globe. Inter Miami, led by superstar Lionel Messi, qualified by finishing at the top of Major League Soccer’s regular season. They achieved this milestone by breaking the league’s points record, ending the season with 74 points after a 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution.
On the other side, Al Ahly earned their spot by winning the CAF Champions League two seasons ago. However, they faced disappointment last season, losing in the semifinals and leading to a coaching change. Jose Riveiro, previously with Orlando Pirates, will be making his debut as Al Ahly’s manager in this match.
The matchup is particularly interesting as it features Messi, who has won the Club World Cup twice with Barcelona, against Al Ahly, a club known for its impressive trophy haul of 155 titles, making it one of the most successful football clubs in history.
Inter Miami and Al Ahly are in Group A, alongside Brazilian club Palmeiras and Portuguese team Porto. This will be the first time these two clubs meet, adding to the intrigue of the match.
In terms of team news, Inter Miami will be without several key players due to injuries, including fullback Jordi Alba. Coach Javier Mascherano remains optimistic, hoping some players will be ready for the next game. Meanwhile, Al Ahly comes into the match with a fully fit squad after a warm-up match against Pachuca.
The winner of the Club World Cup will not only gain prestige but also a significant financial reward, with champions set to earn up to $125 million from a total prize pool of $1 billion.
As the excitement builds for this historic clash, fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see how Messi and his team perform against the formidable Al Ahly.