Al Ahly, initially seen as unlikely to reach the tournament’s second round, have shown resilience. They earned a crucial draw against Inter Miami in their opening match. With key players like Mahmoud Trezeguet and Ahmed Sayed Zizo in their ranks, Al Ahly are poised to challenge Porto effectively.

Martin Anselmi’s tenure at Porto has yet to yield favorable results. After finishing third in the Portuguese league, they missed UEFA Champions League entry. Despite those setbacks, they have promising players like Rodrigo Mora and Gabriel Veiga. Also, Samu Aghehowa adds depth, offering a chance against the Egyptians. To survive in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the Portuguese team must regain defensive reliability.

What happens if Porto beat Al Ahly?

If Porto beat Al Ahly, they will climb to four points in the Group A standings, matching the total of whichever team loses the Inter Miami (4) vs. Palmeiras (4) clash. However, if Inter Miami lose to Palmeiras, then Porto will still get eliminated. In this scenario, the Club World Cup tiebreak rules would see the MLS side gain the upper hand due to the first criteria for a tiebreak, which is to head-to-head results between tied teams. Let’s keep in mind that Inter Miami beat Porto 2-1 on Matchday 2.

Everything shifts if Palmeiras lose to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. In that scenario, goal differential would come into play, which is why Porto would need to finish with a higher differential than Palmeiras.

However, a Porto victory won’t matter if Palmeiras and Inter Miami draw, as that would see them secure the first two places in Group A with 5 points each.

What happens if Porto and Al Ahly tie?

If Porto and Al Ahly play to a draw on Matchday 3 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, both sides will finish with just two points and be eliminated from contention. As a result, Palmeiras and Inter Miami would advance as the only teams to clinch a spot in the Round of 16 ahead of the final group stage matches.

What happens if Porto lose to Al Ahly?

If Al Ahly defeat Porto, they will climb to four points in Group A, equaling the total of the team that loses the Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras matchup. Of course, only if there’s a loser in that game. If Inter Miami and Palmeiras tie, Al Ahly would also be eliminated even if they win.

In the event Inter Miami lose and Al Ahly win, both would be tied with four points and the tiebreak rules would come into play. Both teams finished scoreless in their debut, so the goal differential would make the difference. If Palmeiras win, Al Ahly won’t have any chances even if they win, since they already lost to the Brazilian team in the group stage.

[Watch Porto vs Al Ahly live in the USA on DAZN]

Al Ahly’s chances of advancing are slim after their loss to Palmeiras and Inter Miami’s win over Porto. They now need a big victory and a heavy loss in the other group match.

Porto face a similar challenge—despite a -1 goal difference, they must win and hope Palmeiras or Inter Miami lose badly. With both teams able to qualify with a draw, Al Ahly and Porto are in a tough spot but will fight to the end.

When will the Porto vs Al Ahly match be played?

Porto face off against Al Ahly this Monday, June 23, in Matchday 3 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM (ET).

Porto vs Al Ahly: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Porto vs Al Ahly in the USA

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 clash between Porto and Al Ahly will be available for viewers in the USA on DAZN.

The Brazilian squad reaffirmed their prowess on the field with a commanding display, underscoring their superiority despite early challenges in breaching the opposition’s defense. The breakthrough came fortuitously for Palmeiras as a misfortunate own goal by Wessam Abou Ali opened the scoring. Attempting to clear a corner kick, Abou Ali inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, giving Palmeiras a crucial lead.

Following this unexpected lead, Palmeiras strategically withdrew, inviting pressure from Al Ahly, who were eager to restore parity. However, this offensive approach left Al Ahly vulnerable at the back. Capitalizing on the open spaces, Lopez executed a clinical counterattack, securing the ball with his left foot and doubling Palmeiras’ advantage to 2-0.

Why was the Palmeiras-Al Ahly match interrupted?

The decision to halt the match between Palmeiras and Al Ahly came as adverse weather conditions enveloped the New Jersey venue, prompting officials to suspend play with 30 remaining minutes yet to be contested. The authorities assured that proceedings would resume once conditions improved, ensuring the safety of the players and fairness of the match.

According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect near MetLife Stadium. Fortunately, the storm skirted the stadium, allowing the game to resume at 2:15 PM EST.

Pachuca vs. Red Bull Salzburg match suspended due to severe weather

The clash between Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg was suspended on Wednesday in Cincinnati due to severe weather conditions. A powerful thunderstorm swept through the city, halting the match in the second half. Despite this disruption, play resumed later, and Red Bull Salzburg clinched a 2-1 victory over the Mexican side.

According to regulations governing sports in the United States, any game played on an open field must be temporarily halted if a thunderstorm is present. Play can only resume once the storm has safely passed and conditions are deemed secure for players and spectators alike.

[Watch Palmeiras vs Al Ahly live in the USA on DAZN]

Group A opened with two tantalizing 0-0 draws on Matchday 1. Palmeiras dominated the game against Porto and created a handful of clear-cut chances but couldn’t find the back of the net—an unfinished business they’ll be eager to settle.

Al Ahly, by contrast, underwhelmed in their debut versus an Inter Miami side missing key stars and must secure all three points to keep their qualification hopes alive. Expect both teams to bring urgency and flair as they hunt for that crucial victory.

When will the Palmeiras vs Al Ahly match be played?

Palmeiras will take on Al Ahly this Thursday, June 19, in Matchday 2 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM (ET).

Palmeiras vs Al Ahly: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:00 PM
CT: 11:00 AM
MT: 10:00 AM
PT: 9:00 AM

How to watch Palmeiras vs Al Ahly in the USA

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match featuring Palmeiras and Al Ahly will be available for viewers in the USA on DAZN.

Inter Miami has a tough challenge this summer. The MLS team was invited by FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025 due to the spot that the host nation had.

Now, Lionel Messi has a chance to win the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. Unfortunately, he will not have one of his key teammates for at least the first match of the tournament.

Jordi Alba misses the first match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The Spanish left-back was absent from the team’s starting XI, surprising many fans. He’s currently dealing with a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for several matches.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that the Spanish defender is not yet ready to return. However, he could make his comeback later in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, depending on how his recovery progresses.

Noah Allen was chosen by Mascherano to replace Jordi Alba. While Allen has performed well, he doesn’t offer the same attacking presence that Alba brings to the left flank.

The first half saw the Egyptian side take control early, showing more aggression and threatening to open the scoring. Al Ahly came closest when Mahmoud Trezeguet stepped up to take a penalty, only to be denied by Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who kept the match level with a crucial save.

The second half painted a different picture, with Inter Miami pressing forward and creating more chances. However, Al Ahly’s veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawi delivered a standout performance, turning away every effort, including a dangerous header off a Lionel Messi cross.

With the draw, both clubs sit on one point in Group A. Up next, Inter Miami will face Porto on Thursday, June 19, while Al Ahly will take on Palmeiras the same day.

Unlike Lionel Messi‘s team, Al Ahly have lifted the Egyptian Premier League trophy three times in a row. Their attack features Emam Ashour and Wessam Abou Ali, who have scored 13 and 10 goals in the league last season respectively. Furthermore, Al Ahly benefit from a long-term development process. They have built continuity and structure over time. On top of that, they bring international pedigree. The club has played in the Intercontinental Cup nine times, gaining valuable experience in global competitions.

Despite Al Ahly’s resume, Inter Miami counter with elite star power. Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez have won nearly everything in their careers. All four maintain a high level of competitiveness. At the same time, the team’s success does not rely on them alone as players like Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia are also playing at a high level.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup vs Al Ahly

For the tournament inauguration, Javier Mascherano will miss four key players: Drake Callender, Gonzalo Lujan, Yannick Bright and Jordi Alba. However, fans can take solace in the confirmed starting presence of superstars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

With that in mind, Inter Miami’s starting XI will be: Oscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcon, Tomas Aviles, Noah Allen; Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.

Al Ahly confirmed lineup vs Inter Miami

Al Ahly arrive with a full squad and no injuries. Even better, they welcome back Mahmoud Hassan, known as Trezeguet, who returns from a loan spell at Trabzonspor. Additionally, the team recently added Ahmed Mostafa Mohamed Sayed, also known as Zizo. This new signing strengthens their attack ahead of the competition.

Head coach Jose Riveiro will field the following starting XI: Mohamed El Shenawi; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Achraf Dari, Ahmed Kouka; Marwan Ateya, Hamdy Fathy; Emam Ashour, Ben Romdhane, Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’; Wessam Abou Ali.

[Watch Al Ahly vs Inter Miami live in the USA on DAZN]

The FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off, bringing together some of the world’s top teams in a competition that always draws global attention. The Inter Miami of Lionel Messi, heads into the tournament looking to bounce back after an inconsistent first half of 2025.

Their opening challenge comes against Al Ahly, a seasoned club with plenty of experience on this stage. The Egyptian side is eager to make a statement and will aim to start strong in the group stage with a crucial win. Fans in the U.S. won’t want to miss this exciting matchup.

When will the Al Ahly vs Inter Miami match be played?

Al Ahly will face off against Inter Miami this Saturday, June 14, for Matchday 1 of the 2025 Club World Cup group stage. The match will begin at 8:00 PM (ET).

Al Ahly vs Inter Miami: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:00 PM
CT: 7:00 PM
MT: 6:00 PM
PT: 5:00 PM

How to watch Al Ahly vs Inter Miami in the USA

This 2025 Club World Cup clash between Al Ahly and Inter Miami will be available for viewers in the USA through DAZN. Other options are TBS, Univision, TUDN, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Sling Orange.

Al Ahly hail from Egypt and are the country’s most dominant and decorated club. Domestically, the Cairo-based side have won a record 45 Egyptian Premier League titles and 39 Egypt Cup trophies, firmly establishing themselves as the most successful club in the nation’s soccer history.

The gap between Al Ahly and their closest domestic rivals, Zamalek, is wide. While Zamalek have claimed 14 league titles, Al Ahly’s 31-title advantage speaks to their sustained dominance. Since 2015, Al Ahly have only missed out on the league championship twice—in the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons.

Internationally, Al Ahly boast a storied track record as well. The club have captured 12 CAF Champions League titles, four African Cup Winners’ Cups, one CAF Confederation Cup, and eight CAF Super Cups. On the world stage, Al Ahly have made nine FIFA Club World Cup appearances and earned third place four times—in 2006, 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Key players to watch

Al Ahly also features several notable players. Among them is Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Ahmed, who began his professional career at the club before moving to Europe, where he played for Anderlecht and spent three seasons with Aston Villa in the English Premier League.

Another standout is striker Wessam Abou Ali, a Palestinian international born in Denmark, who has scored 35 goals and registered 10 assists in 57 appearances since joining Al Ahly.

The veteran presence of Tunisian defender Ali Maaloul provides leadership on and off the pitch. Maaloul, one of the few non-Egyptians to ever captain the club, has played in four FIFA Club World Cups, helping Al Ahly finish third in three of them.

Inter Miami’s group

Alongside Al Ahly, Inter Miami feature in Group A with Palmeiras and Porto. After kicking off the tournament against the Egyptians, they will face Porto on Thursday, June 19, before taking on Palmeiras on Monday, June 23, in what promises to be a competitive and thrilling group stage.

Inter Miami have seen remarkable growth since their inception, attracting world-class talent and positioning itself as a competitive force in North American soccer. On the other hand, Al Ahly, the most successful club in Africa, enter the tournament with a wealth of international experience, looking to make a strong impact on the global stage.

With Lionel Messi leading the charge, fans are eager to see what lineup Inter Miami will field—specifically whether their star player will be available for this crucial match.

Will Messi play against Al Ahly today?

Lionel Messi will be in the starting lineup for Inter Miami in today’s opening match. His presence on the pitch will be vital to the team’s ambitions as they make their debut in the prestigious tournament.

Messi’s transformational impact on Inter Miami

Since joining in July 2023, Messi has revolutionized Inter Miami, helping the team claim their first title with the Leagues Cup 2023 victory. Messi’s influence has continued in the current season, with 15 goals and 6 assists.

Al Ahly: A team with rich international experience

Al Ahly is a giant in African soccer, boasting 12 CAF Champions League titles and a string of appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup. In the 2023 edition, they secured a third-place finish, showcasing their ability to compete against the world’s elite soccer teams.

What to expect from this opening match

With global soccer fans watching closely, this match promises to be one of the most exciting opening fixtures in recent years. Miami’s debut in the competition and the potential for Messi to play are bound to make this a thrilling encounter. Both teams will aim to set the tone for their respective campaigns and advance through the tournament with a strong start.

The match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly is set to take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. This early fixture will be a crucial test for both teams as they look to start their FIFA Club World Cup journey on the right foot.

Neither team enters the tournament as a clear favorite to advance to the knockout stage. However, they are expected to be evenly matched on the field—even as Inter Miami enjoys home-field advantage and a significantly more expensive roster.

According to data from Transfermarkt, Inter Miami’s squad is valued at approximately $76 million. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Lionel Messi remains the team’s most valuable player, with an estimated market value of $20.7 million.

Following Messi in Inter Miami’s top valuations are Tomás Avilés ($7M), Federico Redondo ($5.7M), Benjamín Cremaschi ($5.7M), and Baltasar Rodríguez ($5.1M). The MLS side qualified for the Club World Cup after winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

Al Ahly’s total squad value, by comparison, stands at around $55 million. Their top-valued players include Mahmoud “Trezeguet” ($5.7M), Wessam Abou Ali ($4.6M), Emam Ashour ($4.6M), and Mohamed “Zizo” Sayed ($4M).

Projected starting lineups: Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano is expected to start the following lineup for their Club World Cup debut: Óscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Maxi Falcón, Tomás Avilés, Noah Allen; Telasco Segovia, Sergio Busquets, Benjamín Cremaschi or Federico Redondo; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suárez.

Al Ahly, under manager José Riveiro, are expected to line up with: Mohamed El Shenawi; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Mostafa El Aash, Ahmed Kouka; Marwan Ateya, Ahmed Reda, Emam Ashour; Mahmoud “Trezeguet”, Wessam Abou Ali, and Ahmed “Zizo” Mostafa.

Who is the match referee?

The tournament opener will be officiated by Alireza Faghani, an Iranian-born Australian referee who previously worked the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar.