Delay in Club World Cup debut: Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami sees extended pre-game

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicked off with a slight delay in its opening match between Al Ahly from Egypt and Inter Miami from the United States, scheduled for 9 p.m. (Brasília time) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The opening ceremony, filled with light shows, performances, and fireworks, extended the pre-game, postponing the players’ entry onto the field. The celebration, marking the start of the 32-team tournament, was the initial highlight of the event, bringing together global football giants. The match, valid for Group A, also includes Palmeiras and Porto, and is broadcast by SporTV, CazéTV, and DAZN.

The inaugural event brought a unique atmosphere to the stadium, with players introduced individually, inspired by the NBA model, where each athlete is announced and emerges from the locker room tunnel to applause. The organization opted for a vibrant celebration, featuring local artists and visuals that highlighted the tournament’s cultural diversity. The game, marking the debut of the new Club World Cup format, was highly anticipated, especially for the clash between the seasoned Al Ahly and Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi.

• Ceremony highlights: Light show, musical performances, and fireworks.
• Entry format: Players presented one by one, NBA-style.
• Live broadcast: SporTV, CazéTV (YouTube), and DAZN (streaming).

The delay, though brief, sparked comments among fans on social media, who praised the grandeur of the festivities but also expressed eagerness for the match to begin. The anticipation for the showdown between the Egyptian team and the star-studded American side, featuring Messi and Suárez, keeps the focus on the pitch.

Inaugural festivities set the tone

The opening ceremony was designed to set the stage for the new 32-team Club World Cup format, representing five continents. Hard Rock Stadium, with a capacity of over 64,000, was chosen as the venue for the opening event, underscoring the United States’ role as host. The show featured performances by local and international artists, with choreographies symbolizing global football unity.

The event also highlighted the tournament’s significance, offering a record-breaking prize pool of $1 billion, the largest ever in club competitions. Each participating team will receive substantial amounts, with the champion potentially earning up to $130 million. The festivities, despite causing the delay, were well-received by the packed stadium audience.

Confirmed lineups for the clash

Both teams took the field with defined formations. Al Ahly, led by Spanish coach José Riveiro, opted for a 4-5-1 setup, with goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy and striker Abou Ali, who has 28 goals in 35 games since joining the club, as key players. Inter Miami, managed by Javier Mascherano, fielded a 4-3-3, featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets as protagonists.

• Al Ahly: El Shenawy; Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Dari, Kouka; Ben Romdhane, Ateya, Fathy, Ashour, Trézéguet; Abou Ali.
• Inter Miami: Ustari; Fray, Falcón, Avilés, Allen; Busquets, Redondo, Segovia; Messi, Suárez, Allende.

The Egyptian side has three absentees due to injury: Mohamed Abdallah, Samir Mohamed, and Reda Slim. Inter Miami, meanwhile, is without Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Luján, Yannick Bright, David Ruiz, Drake Callender, and Baltasar Rodriguez, which may impact their defensive strategy.

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Group A in focus

The Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match opens Group A, which also features Palmeiras and Porto. The Brazilian team, set to debut on Sunday against the Portuguese side, is closely watching the game, as its outcome could affect group standings. The top two teams from each group advance to the round of 16 in knockout matches.

Al Ahly, dubbed the “Real Madrid of Africa,” has won the CAF Champions League in three of the last four editions, securing their spot. Inter Miami, as the host nation’s representative, qualified by winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, despite an early playoff exit. The Egyptian team’s international experience contrasts with Miami’s star-studded roster, aiming to surprise at home.

Organization and officiating

The match is officiated by Iranian referee Alireza Faghani, assisted by Anton Shchetinin and Ashley Beecham, both from Australia. The VAR is managed by Spaniard Carlos del Cerro Grande, ensuring accurate decisions. FIFA invested in cutting-edge technology for the tournament, including the semi-automated offside system used in the 2022 World Cup.

Hard Rock Stadium, which hosted 2024 Copa América matches, is set to stage eight Club World Cup games, plus seven 2026 World Cup matches. Its modern infrastructure and strategic location in Miami Gardens justify its selection as the opening venue.

History and experience in the Club World Cup

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Al Ahly is a Club World Cup veteran, with ten appearances, including semifinals in the last four editions. The Egyptian club has faced Brazilian teams five times, including Internacional (2006), Corinthians (2012), Palmeiras (2020 and 2021), and Flamengo (2022), but has never won in regular time. Their last campaign in 2022 ended with a 4-2 loss to Flamengo.

Inter Miami, however, is making its tournament debut. Founded in 2018, the club gained global attention with Lionel Messi’s arrival in 2023, followed by signings like Suárez, Busquets, and Alba. Despite its short history, the Florida team has shown competitiveness in the MLS, with notable wins in the 2025 regular season.

Match expectations

The game promises a clash of contrasting styles. Al Ahly relies on solid defending and quick transitions, led by players like Emam Ashour and Trézéguet. Inter Miami banks on Messi’s individual brilliance, with 15 goals and six assists in 20 games in the 2025 season, and Suárez’s experience as one of the era’s top strikers.

Recent stats suggest a balanced encounter. Al Ahly is unbeaten in 12 matches, with eight wins and four draws, though their defense conceded in half of those games. Inter Miami, while defensively inconsistent, scored 12 goals in their last three matches, showcasing offensive firepower. Betting odds slightly favor the American side at 2.02, compared to 3.40 for Al Ahly and 3.70 for a draw.

Pre-game details

The Hard Rock Stadium pitch was pre-prepared, earning praise from both teams. Before the ceremony, players conducted a field inspection, adapting to the venue’s conditions. The crowd, including local fans and tourists, created a festive atmosphere, with notable support from Egyptian and Argentine fans backing Al Ahly and Messi, respectively.

The tournament organizers also provided statistical analyses for fans, including first-round win probabilities. Based on the last 30 games, squad market value, and other variables, Inter Miami holds a slight edge, but Al Ahly is seen as a tough opponent due to their international experience.

Record-breaking prize pool

FIFA announced that the 2025 Club World Cup will feature the largest prize pool in football history. Beyond the $1 billion distributed among clubs, FIFA allocated $250 million for a global solidarity fund. European teams will receive between $13 million and $39.5 million each, while South American clubs like Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo are guaranteed $15.7 million.

Team trivia

• Al Ahly: Has won 45 Egyptian league titles and 39 national cups, making it Egypt’s most successful club.
• Inter Miami: Founded by David Beckham, the seven-year-old club has attracted global stars.
• Club World Cup history: Al Ahly ranks second in tournament appearances, behind only Real Madrid.
• Messi in the tournament: This is the Argentine’s first Club World Cup outside Barcelona.

Launch of a new format

The 2025 Club World Cup marks a new era for club football, with an expanded format featuring continental champions and invited teams. Running until July 13, the competition will feature 63 matches across 11 U.S. cities, with iconic venues like MetLife Stadium and Camping World Stadium. The Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami opener symbolizes the blend of African football tradition and the sport’s rise in the United States.