The long-awaited and highly debated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is finally set to begin, with MLS side Inter Miami and Egyptian giants Al Ahly kicking off a tournament that aims to mark a milestone in global soccer. With the spotlight firmly on Lionel Messi, both teams are expected to go all-out in their quest to deliver a memorable opener for fans worldwide.
Inter Miami, selected as host for the competition, will be making its first-ever appearance in a Club World Cup. Messi’s team enters the tournament in strong form after a bounce-back from a rocky stretch in the 2025 MLS season, highlighted by a 4–2 win over CF Montreal and a dominant 5–1 victory against the Columbus Crew.
Al Ahly, one of the most decorated clubs in world soccer with 125 titles (according to Transfermarkt), will be competing in their 10th FIFA Club World Cup since their debut in 2005. The Red Devils arrive in Miami on the back of six straight wins in the Egyptian Premier League and bring a wealth of experience on the international stage.
This will be Matchday 1 of Group A, which also features Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras and Portuguese side Porto. A win in the opener will be critical, allowing either team to better position themselves for the remaining two group-stage matches.
Inter Miami with three key injuries
The Hard Rock Stadium is expected to provide a major home-field boost for Inter Miami, but head coach Javier Mascherano will have to make some key adjustments to his lineup. The Herons will be without three important players due to injury.
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During Friday’s pre-match press conference, Mascherano confirmed that Jordi Alba, Yannick Bright, and Gonzalo Lujan will be unavailable:: “As for Jordi, Yannick, and Gonza (Lujan), they won’t be available for this match. Hopefully by the second game—maybe not all three—but at least two or even one of them will be back.”
Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami and Al Ahly
Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Oscar Ustari; Ian Fray, Tomas Aviles, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen; Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.
Head coach: Javier Mascherano.
Al Ahly’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Mohamed El-Shenawy; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Achraf Dari, Ahmed Nabil Koka; Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Attia; Eman Ashour, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Mahmoud Trezeguet; Wessam Abou Ali.
Head coach: Jose Rivero.
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