Group A of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be decided this Monday. On Matchday 3, Porto vs. Al Ahly and Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras will be played simultaneously to determine the two teams advancing to the round of 16. Despite the high stakes, Jordi Alba will not start for the Herons.
In the minutes leading up to kickoff, coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the starting eleven, which does not include the Spanish left-back. The reason is that Alba has been dealing with a hamstring injury for several weeks and, while he is fit to play, he is not at 100%. However, he will be on the bench and could be subbed in if the situation calls for it.
Jordi’s status has evolved as the Club World Cup has progressed. In the opener against Al Ahly just over a week ago, he wasn’t even included in the matchday squad. In contrast, for Matchday 2 against Porto, he was on the bench and came on as a substitute for Tadeo Allende in the 79th minute.
Now, four days later, it’s likely that Alba’s fitness has improved. That means Mascherano will be able to call on him if needed, especially considering the quality and experience the former Barcelona player brings to the side.
If Inter Miami secure qualification to the round of 16, Alba will also benefit from several more days of rest before the next challenge, which would further increase his chances of starting in the knockout stage of the Club World Cup. If the Herons finish first in the group, they’ll play next on Saturday, June 28 vs Botafogo; if they finish second, their match will be on Sunday, June 29 against Paris Saint-Germain.
Who is replacing Alba?
When Jordi Alba has been unavailable, head coach Javier Mascherano has made his preferred replacement clear. Noah Allen filled in during both of the Club World Cup’s earlier matches—against Al Ahly and Porto—and he’ll do so again this Monday against Palmeiras.
Inter Miami starting lineup
With kickoff approaching, both Inter Miami and Palmeiras have confirmed their starting lineups. The Herons will line up as follows: Oscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Tomas Aviles, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen; Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.
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Will Inter Miami advance to the round of 16?
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