Al Ahly and Inter Miami have the honour of kicking off the 2025 Club World Cup this weekend.
This is the very first edition of FIFA’s revamped tournament as the number of teams competing has been expanded to 32, thus turning it into a month-long summer tournament.
Teams from the six confederations – UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, AFC and OFC – are taking part in the United States over the next four weeks with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami getting things underway.
The MLS outfit – co-owned by David Beckham – qualified for the tournament thanks in part to FIFA designating one slot for a team from the host nation as well as their performance in the 2024 regular season as well as winning the Supporters’ Shield.
Meanwhile Al Ahly – the highest ranked African team in the world – punched their ticket by virtue of winning the CAF Champions League in three of the last four seasons.
The match will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
The Egyptian side have been in the US for over a week now and warmed up for the opening game of the tournament with a friendly against Pachuca last Sunday, losing 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
No injuries were reported which means manager Jose Riveiro has a fully fit squad to choose from as former Aston Villa forward Trezeguet could start.
As for the Herons, the big names are available to head coach Javier Mascherano.
Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez have all been named in the squad and are fit to start. The same applies to Messi after he was substituted in Argentina’s 1-1 draw against Colombia earlier in the week.
Whilst Al Ahly are the dominant force in African football, their credentials will be put to the test having been drawn in a tough looking group alongside Palmeiras and Porto.
It would be easy to look at Inter Miami’s star-studded names and tip them to win, but their lack of high-level tournament experience could prove decisive against a team that has garnered plenty down the years. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams at any level.