The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicked off with excitement in Miami, where Al Ahly and Inter Miami delivered a fierce battle on Saturday night, June 14. At Hard Rock Stadium, the opening match of the group stage, valid for Group A, saw a goal by Al Ahly against Lionel Messi’s team disallowed at the 29th minute of the first half, sparking heated debates. The match, still ongoing, marks the debut of the tournament’s new format with 32 teams and is taking place in the United States, broadcast live by Globo and DAZN. The opening ceremony, filled with lights and performances, delayed the start, but the crowd roared with the players’ NBA-style entrance.
The clash between the Egyptian club, Africa’s most decorated, and the American side, led by Messi, brought high tension from the early minutes. Al Ahly, known for its solid defense and quick counterattacks, is pressuring Inter Miami, which tries to impose its game with passing. The officiating, aided by cutting-edge technology like semi-automated offside, took center stage by disallowing Abou Ali’s goal, raising discussions about the assistant referee’s accuracy.
- Key moments so far:
- Opening ceremony with a light show and fireworks before the match.
- Individual player introductions, with Messi receiving the loudest cheers.
- Goal disallowed for Al Ahly at 29 minutes due to clear offside.
- Two yellow cards for Inter Miami (Avilés and Redondo).
- Constant pressure from Al Ahly on the American defense.
The match, still in the first half, promises more thrills, with Al Ahly seeking gaps in Inter Miami’s defense and Messi’s team attempting to create dangerous plays. The game is crucial for setting the tone in Group A, which also includes Palmeiras and Porto.
Opening ceremony sets the stage
The night in Miami was marked by an opening ceremony that turned Hard Rock Stadium into a visual spectacle. With artistic performances and a light show, FIFA highlighted the tournament’s significance, now held every four years with an expanded format. The NBA-inspired player introductions added an innovative touch, with each athlete announced individually. Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s biggest star, received the loudest ovation from the packed stands.
The delay in the match’s start, scheduled for 9:00 PM (Brasília time), did not dampen the fans’ enthusiasm. The pre-game festivities underscored FIFA’s ambition to position the Club World Cup as a global event, comparable to the FIFA World Cup. The presence of advanced technology, such as body cameras for referees and tablets for substitutions, was also highlighted as part of the tournament’s innovations.
Minute-by-minute: plays that stir the game
The duel between Al Ahly and Inter Miami has been marked by intense plays and critical refereeing decisions. Below are the key moments of the match up to the 33rd minute of the first half:
- 0’: The referee blows the whistle, and the ball rolls in Miami with Al Ahly playing in their defensive half.
- 7’: A quick Al Ahly counterattack ends with a shot by Ashour, but goalkeeper Ustari makes a great save.
- 12’: Ashour, feeling shoulder pain, is replaced by Zizo, who enters to bolster the Egyptian midfield.
- 24’: Yellow card for Inter Miami’s Avilés after a hard foul on Zizo.
- 29’: Abou Ali’s goal disallowed for offside, with the assistant referee immediately flagging the infraction.
Al Ahly’s pressure has kept Inter Miami’s defense on edge, while Messi, despite tight marking, tries to create chances with his vision. The Egyptian fans, present in large numbers, cheer with every attack.
Minuto a mAl Ahly showcases African strength
Al Ahly, the most successful club in the CAF Champions League, took to the field with the mission to display African football’s prowess. With an experienced squad led by players like Trézéguet and Abou Ali, the Egyptian team relies on speed and tactical discipline. The early substitution of Ashour, who left injured at the 12th minute, did not disrupt the team’s rhythm, as they continued to dominate offensive actions.
Coach José Rivero’s strategy appears clear: press Inter Miami’s ball distribution and exploit counterattacks. The defense, led by center-back Dari, has been solid, despite some errors, like Dari’s missed chance at the 19th minute, when he flubbed a shot face-to-face with Ustari.
Inter Miami faces challenges
Inter Miami, the home team, feels the pressure of playing before their fans. Lionel Messi, the team’s main hope, has struggled to break through Al Ahly’s tight marking. At the 15th minute, an attempted combination play was intercepted by three defenders, highlighting the challenge facing the Argentine. Other players, like Fray and Redondo, have also tried to create plays but without success so far.
The American side, which earned their spot by winning the 2024 Supporter’s Shield, faces criticism for their reliance on Messi. The yellow cards to Avilés and Redondo reflect their struggle to contain Al Ahly’s momentum, as the Egyptians capitalize on defensive mistakes.
Refereeing under scrutiny
The officiating has been one of the match’s most discussed aspects. The disallowance of Abou Ali’s goal at the 29th minute for offside was deemed correct by experts, as the assistant referee spotted the irregular position instantly. FIFA, which introduced technologies like semi-automated offside and referee body cameras, aims for greater transparency in decisions.
The yellow cards issued to Avilés and Redondo, both for hard fouls, also sparked debate. Inter Miami’s fans argue the calls were overly strict, while Al Ahly supporters believe the punishments were fair. The presence of VAR, though not used in the disallowed goal, ensures controversial calls are reviewed accurately.
Technology and innovations in the tournament
The 2025 Club World Cup is marked by technological innovations that elevate the tournament’s standard. In addition to semi-automated offside, which uses ball sensors and cameras to track positions, tablets for substitutions streamline player changes. Body cameras, tested in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup, allow fans to see referee decisions in real-time on stadium screens.
These advancements reinforce FIFA’s commitment to modernizing football. The tournament also features a new trophy, designed by Tiffany & Co., incorporating elements like a world map and the solar system’s position on opening day. The song “Freed from Desire” by Gala Rizzatto was chosen as the official anthem, played during the ceremony.
Group A in the spotlight
The Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match is pivotal for Group A, which also includes Palmeiras and Porto. The Brazilian team, set to debut on Sunday against the Portuguese, is closely watching the game, as the result could impact the standings. Palmeiras, the 2021 Libertadores champion, is a group favorite, but Al Ahly’s strength and Messi’s presence make the competition unpredictable.
The group table will be updated after the match, but a win in the opener is crucial for gaining an edge in upcoming rounds. The tournament format, with eight groups of four teams, advances the top two from each group to the round of 16, heightening the importance of every game.
Expectations for the rest of the match
With the game still ongoing, expectations for the second half are high. Al Ahly is likely to maintain their offensive pressure, while Inter Miami searches for ways to overcome the Egyptian marking. Messi, yet to shine, could be decisive if he finds space. The packed stadium anticipates a balanced and thrilling contest.
The match also serves as a test for the Club World Cup’s new format, which brings together 32 teams and promises greater competitiveness. The inclusion of clubs from six confederations highlights the tournament’s diversity, aiming to cement its relevance in the global calendar.
