Inter Miami CF kick off their historic debut in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ this Saturday night as they host Egyptian giants Al Ahly FC in the tournament’s opening fixture at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
With global eyes on the competition’s first edition featuring 32 teams, the MLS Supporters’ Shield winners face a stern challenge against Africa’s most decorated club.
Match Overview
The match is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM ET (1:00 AM WAT, Sunday) in front of what promises to be a raucous crowd in South Florida. This is Group A’s opening clash, with both sides seeking a strong start in a pool that also includes Palmeiras and FC Porto.
Inter Miami come into the tournament brimming with confidence following a dominant 5-1 win over Columbus Crew to close out May. That victory featured a masterclass from captain Lionel Messi, who tallied two goals and three assists, while Suárez, Allende, and Picault also found the net.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, enter their 10th Club World Cup appearance fresh off securing their 45th Egyptian Premier League title, underlining their status as a continental powerhouse.
Team News
Inter Miami are expected to deploy a strong lineup led by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. Tata Martino will likely maintain the attacking trio that dismantled Columbus, with Tadeo Allende and Fafa Picault adding pace and creativity out wide. Goalkeeper Drake Callender is expected to start behind a solid back four marshaled by Sergii Kryvtsov.
There are no major injury concerns, and with group matches coming thick and fast, squad rotation may begin from match two onward.
For Al Ahly, head coach Marcel Koller will lean on the experience of stalwarts like Mohamed El Shenawy in goal and Ali Maâloul at left-back. Percy Tau and Mahmoud Kahraba are expected to be key figures in attack, while Akram Tawfik and Amr El Solia anchor the midfield.
The Egyptian side is well-drilled defensively and have a strong record in FIFA competition, having finished third in four previous Club World Cup editions.
Tactical Review
Inter Miami play a fluid attacking style, built around Messi’s central role as both creator and finisher. Suárez offers a physical threat inside the box, while Allende and Picault stretch defenses. Their recent form has shown greater balance in midfield with Sergio Busquets providing composure and control.
Al Ahly rely heavily on structure and disciplined positioning, favoring compact lines and swift transitions. Their strength lies in game management and taking advantage of set-piece situations. Their experience at this level gives them a tactical edge, especially when absorbing pressure.
Expect Inter Miami to control possession, while Al Ahly look to frustrate and break quickly on the counter.
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast globally and for free via DAZN.com, with fans from all regions able to stream all FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ fixtures live.
Also, DAZN’s online platform will offer full coverage, accessible via browser from their website or app.
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Inter Miami CF 3-1 Al Ahly FC
With Messi in sublime form and Miami playing on home soil, they have enough attacking quality to overcome Al Ahly’s compact setup. The Egyptian champions are no strangers to this tournament, but Miami’s firepower and crowd support could prove decisive in the opening contest.