Porto’s 2025 Club World Cup campaign ended in spectacular disappointment as they bowed out of the tournament following a chaotic 4-4 draw with Al Ahly. Despite the drama and volume of goals, both sides were already eliminated after Palmeiras and Inter Miami had secured qualification from the group.
From their opening thrashing by Palmeiras to a dismal showing against Inter Miami, Porto’s downward spiral was evident long before the final whistle in New Jersey. Their final group-stage match only reinforced the club’s alarming decline. For a side once seen as a European stalwart, Porto’s performance showcased a team plagued by mismanagement, inconsistency, and tactical confusion.
The signs of crisis extend well beyond the pitch. The Portuguese giants have struggled all season, falling out of the domestic title race early, flopping in cup competitions, and stumbling through European fixtures. Off the field, Porto are hampered by financial instability, boardroom dysfunction, and a revolving door of managerial appointments. The Club World Cup simply amplified those cracks.
The match against Al Ahly started badly and only got worse. A sloppy pass from Danny Namaso in midfield led to the Egyptians’ opener, as Ahmed Fathy set up Abou Ali for a calm finish. Rodrigo Mora responded with a moment of brilliance, dancing past the keeper to score a sublime solo goal for Porto. But it wasn’t enough to inspire a turnaround.
By half-time, Al Ahly were back in control. A rash foul from Fábio Vieira gifted the Egyptians a penalty, which Abou Ali converted with ease. The second half brought fireworks but little structure. William Gomes curled in a beautiful equaliser, only for Ali to complete his hat-trick minutes later with a powerful header. Samu Aghehowa quickly responded with another leveller, only for Ben Romdhane to rifle home from distance in a third moment of individual brilliance.
In a final twist, Pepê salvaged a 4-4 draw with a thunderous strike, but the result was meaningless. Both clubs were already out, their performances far short of Club World Cup standards.
For Porto, this marks one of their most humiliating international exits in years. While Palmeiras prepare to face Botafogo and Inter Miami gear up to take on PSG, Porto return home facing uncomfortable questions about their direction