Al Ahly vs Inter Miami: FIFA CWC opening game preview, prediction
Al Ahly forward, Emam Ashour (left) with Inter Miami forward, Lionel Messi (right). Photo Credit- One Football
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with a blockbuster clash between Egyptian giants Al Ahly and MLS side Inter Miami on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This Group A encounter marks the start of the revamped 32-team tournament, pitting Africa’s most decorated club against a star-studded Inter Miami side led by Lionel Messi. Here’s an in-depth preview of both teams’ performances, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head record, and a scoreline prediction.
Al Ahly team performances
Al Ahly, known as the “Club of the Century” in African football, are a dominant force, having won the CAF Champions League three times in the last four seasons (2020-21, 2022-23, 2023-24), securing their place in this tournament. They clinched their record-extending 45th Egyptian Premier League title in the 2024/25 season, finishing with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Pharco and a six-game winning streak, scoring 21 goals in that run. Their recent form is formidable, with an 11-game unbeaten streak in competitive matches and 18 goals scored in their last five games across all competitions.
However, their Club World Cup warm-up against Pachuca in the Challenge Super Cup ended in a 1-1 draw, followed by a 5-3 penalty shootout loss, suggesting some vulnerabilities in high-stakes matches. Al Ahly’s experience in the Club World Cup is unmatched, with this being their 10th appearance, having finished third four times this decade. Their ambition is to surpass their historical best and challenge for the title in this expanded format.
Al Ahly tactics
Under new manager Jose Riveiro, formerly of Orlando Pirates, Al Ahly are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. Their midfield duo of Amr El Solia and Marwan Attia provides stability, allowing attacking midfielders like Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet to create chances for striker Wessam Abou Ali. Trezeguet, fresh from a loan at Trabzonspor, has already shown his scoring prowess with a goal against Pachuca. Al Ahly’s strategy will likely focus on compact defending to neutralize Inter Miami’s attacking trio, with full-backs Mohamed Hany and Yahia El Debes tasked with containing Messi and Luis Suarez. Their high pressing and clinical finishing (52 goals in their domestic league at over two goals per game) make them dangerous on the counter.
Al Ahly team news and injuries
Al Ahly will be without Mohamed Abdallah (muscle), Reda Slim (knee), and Samir Mohamed (muscle), though the latter is expected to be available as a substitute. No fresh injury concerns were reported after their friendly against Pachuca. Wessam Abou Ali with four goals in his last Egyptian Premier League game, Trezeguet, and Emam Ashour (19 goals this season, including one in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup) are expected to lead the attack. Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): El Shenawy (GK); Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, El Debes; El Solia, Attia; Mohamed, Ashour, Trezeguet; Abou Ali.
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Inter Miami performances
Inter Miami qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup as the host nation’s representative, bolstered by their 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield win for the best regular-season record. Despite their star power, their qualification has been controversial due to their lack of a major international trophy and a 3-2 playoff loss to Atlanta in 2024. Their recent form is electric offensively, with 15 goals scored in their last five MLS matches, including 4-2 and 5-1 victories over Montreal and Columbus Crew, respectively. Lionel Messi has been in scintillating form, contributing 10 goals and five assists in 13 MLS matches this season, including five goals in his last three games.
However, Inter Miami’s defense is a concern, having conceded 12 goals in their last five matches and losing five of their last 10 games across all competitions. Their lack of high-level tournament experience could be a factor against a battle-hardened Al Ahly side.
Inter Miami tactics
Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano, are likely to line up in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, leveraging the attacking talents of Messi and Suárez. Sergio Busquets anchors the midfield, providing composure and distribution, while wingers like Tadeo Allende and Fafa Picault add width and dynamism. Messi’s playmaking and goal-scoring ability will be central, with Suarez’s movement and finishing complementing him. However, their defensive frailties, exacerbated by injuries, may force Mascherano to rely on a high-pressing, attack-heavy approach to outscore opponents. Their recent MLS games, producing 44 goals in eight matches, suggest an open, high-scoring style.
Inter Miami team news and injuries
Inter Miami face a defensive crisis, with Jordi Alba (hamstring), Yannick Bright (hamstring), David Ruiz (hamstring), Gonzalo Luján (hamstring), Baltasar Rodriguez (hamstring), and goalkeeper Drake Callender (hernia) ruled out or doubtful for the opener. Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Ustari (GK); Weigandt, Falcon, Martinez, Allen; Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suarez.
Al Ahly vs Inter Miami head-to-head statistics
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Al Ahly and Inter Miami, as the two sides have never faced each other in any competition. With no historical data to draw upon, the matchup hinges on current form, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance.
Al Ahly vs Inter Miami score prediction
This match promises to be a top level encounter given both teams’ attacking style. Al Ahly’s experience in the Club World Cup and defensive organization under Riveiro give them an edge in handling big occasions, but their injury concerns in key areas could limit their depth. Inter Miami’s star-studded attack, led by Messi and Suarez, is a significant threat, but their depleted defense may struggle against Al Ahly’s clinical forwards. Recent trends suggest a high-scoring game, with Inter Miami’s last eight MLS matches producing 44 goals and Al Ahly netting 18 in their last five.
