The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with a thrilling encounter as Egyptian giants Al Ahly face off against Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 15, 2025. This Group A opener promises a clash of contrasting styles, pitting Al Ahly’s storied legacy and tactical discipline against Inter Miami’s star-studded lineup, headlined by Lionel Messi. Both teams are under pressure to secure early points in a competitive group that also includes Porto and Palmeiras. Al Ahly, the most decorated club in African football with 45 Egyptian Premier League titles and 12 CAF Champions League crowns, enter as seasoned Club World Cup campaigners, making their tenth appearance in the tournament. Inter Miami, competing in their first Club World Cup, rely on their home advantage and attacking firepower to make a statement.
Prediction
This match is poised to be a high-scoring affair, given both teams’ recent form and attacking prowess. Al Ahly have been in scintillating form, winning their last six competitive matches, including a 6-0 rout of Pharco to clinch the Egyptian Premier League title. Their attacking output is formidable, having scored 21 goals in that run, with players like Emam Ashour and Wessam Abou Ali proving clinical. However, their new manager, José Riveiro, faces his first competitive test, which could introduce some uncertainty.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, have rediscovered their scoring touch, netting nine goals in their last two MLS matches, including a 5-1 thrashing of Columbus Crew. Lionel Messi, with five goals in his last three games, remains the focal point, supported by Luis Suárez’s lethal finishing. Yet, Miami’s defensive vulnerabilities are glaring, having conceded in all but one of their last nine games. Al Ahly’s experience in high-stakes tournaments gives them an edge, but Miami’s home support and individual brilliance tilt the scales slightly in their favor. The Opta supercomputer gives Al Ahly a 44.7% chance of victory compared to Miami’s 29.4%, with a draw at 25.8%. However, Messi’s magic could prove decisive, and a 2-1 win for Inter Miami feels plausible, though both teams are likely to find the net in an open, entertaining contest.
Possible lineups
Al Ahly, under José Riveiro, are expected to deploy their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which offers defensive solidity and counterattacking threat. Captain Mohamed El Shenawy is set to start in goal, backed by a defense of Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Mostafa El Aash, and Karim El Debes. The midfield duo of Marwan Attia and Ahmed Reda will provide stability, allowing creative talents Emam Ashour, Achraf Bencharki, and Mahmoud Trezeguet to support striker Wessam Abou Ali, who scored four goals in his last league outing. New signings like Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane may also feature to bolster the midfield.
Inter Miami, managed by Javier Mascherano, are likely to opt for a 4-4-2 setup to maximize their attacking options. Oscar Ustari is expected in goal due to Drake Callender’s potential absence, with a backline of Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcón, David Martínez, and Noah Allen, as Jordi Alba and Gonzalo Luján are doubtful. The midfield quartet of Tadeo Allende, Benjamin Cremaschi, Sergio Busquets, and Telasco Segovia will support the dynamic duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez up top. Injuries to David Ruiz and Yannick Bright could limit Miami’s depth, but their star power remains intact.
Betting tips
This match offers several intriguing markets, with bookmakers like Betway, 1xBet, and Dafabet providing competitive odds. The Over 2.5 Goals market is a strong pick at odds of approximately 1.76, given Inter Miami’s run of nine consecutive games with three or more goals and Al Ahly’s scoring spree of 21 goals in their last six competitive matches. Both Teams to Score (BTTS) is another solid option at around 1.66, as Miami’s leaky defense has conceded in eight of their last nine games, while Al Ahly have scored in their last eight.
For those seeking value, backing Lionel Messi to score anytime offers odds of about 1.90, reflecting his recent form of five goals in three games. Alternatively, Emam Ashour to score anytime at around 3.50 is a tempting outsider bet, given his 18 goals in the Egyptian Premier League last season. A Bet Builder combining Inter Miami to win and Over 2.5 Goals is available at roughly 3.75, capitalizing on Miami’s home advantage and both teams’ attacking intent. For a safer option, Al Ahly +0.75 on the Asian Handicap at 1.54 provides insurance in case of a draw or narrow defeat.