MIAMI, Fla. (BN24) — The newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 begins Saturday in Florida with a marquee clash between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, the most decorated football club in the world. The match marks the start of a monthlong competition now featuring 32 clubs from across the globe, as FIFA debuts its revamped format in the United States.
Inter Miami earned their place in the tournament after finishing atop Major League Soccer’s regular-season standings. The club’s record-breaking 74-point campaign secured their spot ahead of MLS Cup winners LA Galaxy. FIFA confirmed Miami’s participation in October, citing the league’s updated qualification criteria for the global tournament.
Their opening opponents, Al Ahly, arrive as past winners of the CAF Champions League. Although they relinquished their continental crown last season after a semifinal exit against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, their historic success remains unmatched. Al Ahly have amassed 155 trophies, including a record 45 league titles. For comparison, Real Madrid — the most successful club in Europe — have won 15 UEFA Champions League titles and 36 La Liga championships.
Saturday’s showdown at Hard Rock Stadium is also the debut match for Al Ahly’s new head coach, Jose Riveiro. The Spanish tactician was previously with South Africa’s Orlando Pirates and steps into the role after the departure of Marcel Koller.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, was established in 2020 following Beckham’s use of a contractual option from his MLS playing days. The club is also backed by businessmen Jorge and Jose Mas, though Beckham remains its most public face.
The Florida side enters the tournament with injury concerns. Defender Jordi Alba is sidelined with a hamstring issue, and center-back David Martinez is being monitored after reporting discomfort in training. Defensive midfielder Yannick Bright and fullback Gonzalo Lujan are also out. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed their absences during a press conference, adding that he hopes to have them available later in the group stage. Despite the setbacks, Mascherano expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and resilience.
Al Ahly, by contrast, reported no injury issues and have had two weeks to acclimate in the U.S. They played a warm-up match against Mexican side Pachuca, also a Club World Cup participant, drawing 1-1 before losing in a penalty shootout. The Egyptian club’s attack is expected to be led by former Premier League forward Mahmoud Trezeguet, who now plays a pivotal role in their front line.
The fixture marks the first-ever meeting between Inter Miami and Al Ahly and will be closely watched as a symbolic encounter between North American and African football traditions. Group A also includes Brazilian champions Palmeiras and Portuguese side Porto, rounding out one of the tournament’s most competitive pools.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 carries a total prize pool of $1 billion, with the eventual champion eligible to earn up to $125 million. The distribution model awards half of the overall prize fund to participating clubs based on both sporting merit and commercial value.
Kickoff on Saturday sets the stage not only for the tournament’s expanded format but also for Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated return to club competition, following rest during Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifying matches. For Inter Miami, the spotlight is firmly fixed on their Argentine icon as they seek to make history on home soil.
