Al-Ahly vs Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup debut pits them against seasoned campaigners Al-Ahly in a heavily anticipated Group A opener at Hard Rock Stadium.

Despite their relatively modest status on the world stage, this is not the first rodeo for Al-Ahly as they gear up for their 11th Club World Cup appearance. The African giants have qualified for this tournament with three successive CAF Champions League triumphs since 2020/21, highlighting their elite status in the CAF confederation. Adding to this sentiment, they’re the most successful African club, with 44 Egyptian top-flight titles and 14 CAF Champions Leagues. Yet, Jose Riveiro’s men have a point to prove in the States, and perhaps a six-game winning run in domestic football could provide a platform to build upon. Furthermore, Al-Ahly won their only previous meeting with USA-based opposition, overcoming Seattle Sounders 1-0 in the 2022 Club World Cup quarter-final en route to a commendable third-place finish. 

Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s iconic 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield triumph helped them punch their ticket to their maiden Club World Cup appearance. Coached by the two-time Club World Cup winner Javier Mascherano, the Herons seek a standout result in Group A, relying primarily on the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. Mascherano’s performance in the Miami dugout has been decent (W13, D5, L6), but the Florida giants seem to be picking up a head of steam, winning back-to-back MLS fixtures via a combined score of 9-3. With Luis Suarez and Messi leading the line, it’s barely surprising Miami’s star-studded frontline bagged 3+ goals in three consecutive league games in the warm-up for the tournament.