Inter Miami Faces Tough Challenge Against Al Ahly in Club World Cup Opener

The highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to begin this Saturday with a compelling match between Inter Miami, a guest participant, and Al Ahly, the recent CAF Champions League victor.

Lionel Messi will be instrumental in leading Inter Miami, as he has since his arrival in 2023. However, the team faces a important challenge against elite clubs from around the globe, many of whom have earned their place as continental champions.

Inter Miami secured their spot in the tournament through a nomination by CONCACAF, the host confederation, after clinching the 2024 Supporters’ Shield with the best regular-season record in MLS. Despite this past success, they currently hold third place in the Eastern conference, struggling to replicate their previous dominance.

Their opponent, Al Ahly, boasts an impressive record in African continental club competitions, having won the title four times in the last six years. Although they were recently dethroned by Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinals, their consistent performance makes them a formidable adversary.

Here’s a look at the latest team updates and injury reports as the match approaches.

Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami: Predicted Lineups and team News

Al Ahly has significantly reinforced their attacking options ahead of the Club world Cup. Mahmoud Hassan, widely known as Trezeguet, has returned from a loan at Trabzonspor, and They are joined on a free transfer from Zamalek.

“Messi’s presence alongside Luis Suarez means this team is always potent up front.”

With all minor injury concerns resolved, head coach Jose Riveiro has a fully fit squad at his disposal.

Al Ahly predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): El Shenawi (GK) – Hany, Ibrahim, El Aash, kouka – Attia, Ashour, reda – Trezeguet, W. ALI, BenchaRKi.

injured: None.
Suspended: None.

Full Al Ahly squad

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Sayed, Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Makhlouf, Mostafa Shobeir.

Defenders: Khaled abdelfattah, yahya Attiyat allah, Achraf Dari, Mostafa El Aash, Mostafa El dokesh, mot Ramadan.

Midfielders: Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia, Aliou Dieng, Karim El Dies, OMAR El Saey, Hussin El shahat, Hamdi Fathi, Ahmed Kouka, Mohamed Magdy, Karim Nededed, Zizo.

forwards: Hamza Abdel Karim, Mohammed or, Wessam Ali, Achraf Bencharki, Nejc Bulletor, Taher Mohammed, Samir Mohammed, Order Slim, Trezeguet.

10 years ago, @Luissarez9 led Barcelona to the @Fifacwc title as the top scorer. 🏆

Now he’s ready to run it back with @InterMiamiCF. 💪 pic.twitter.com/jvO8becySD

– Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 12, 2025

While inter Miami’s squad is built around Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, the supporting attack is somewhat lacking. MLS veteran Picault face has rejoined the team after representing Haiti in World Cup qualifiers and will participate in the Club World Cup.

Starting goalkeeper Drake Callender is unlikely to play due to a long-standing hernia issue requiring surgery. Backup Oscar Ustari was reportedly subbed off at halftime in their recent MLS match but is expected to be fit for the tournament.

midfielder David Ruiz has returned to training after a hamstring injury, but Jordi Alba is sidelined with an injury sustained in late May. Yannick Radiant and Gonzalo Lujan are also likely out due to hamstring injuries.

Inter miami predicted XI (4-4-2,right to left): Usari (GK) – Weigandt,Falcon,D. Martinez, Allen – Picault, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia – Messi, Suarez.

Injured: callender (hernia), ustari (muscle, doubt), Alba (muscle, doubt), Lujan (hamstring), bright (hamstring).
Suspended: None.

Full Inter Miami squad

Goalkeepers: Drake Callender, Oscar Ustari, Rocco Rios New, William Yarbrough.

Defenders: Jordi Alba,Noah Allen,Tomas Aviles,Israel Boatwright,Max falcon,Ian Fray,Tyler hall,Gonzalo Lujan,David Martinez,Marcelo Weigandt.

midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright, Benjamin Creamchi, Santiago Morales, Federico Redondo, Baltasar Rodriguez, David Ruiz.

Forwards: Leo Afonso, Tadeo Allande, Lionel Messi, Allen Oband, Fafa Picault, Luis Suarez.

Al Ahly vs.Inter miami Score Prediction

While Al Ahly has strengthened its squad, Inter Miami is grappling with numerous injuries, a recurring theme during Lionel Messi’s tenure with the club.

The presence of Messi and Luis Suarez ensures a potent attack, but Inter Miami has shown vulnerabilities, notably during a stretch in April and May when they lost five of seven matches.

al Ahly’s strong finish to the league season, securing the Egyptian premier League title, positions them favorably against Inter Miami.

Prediction: Al Ahly 3-2 Inter Miami

How to Watch Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami Live

The entire 2025 FIFA Club world Cup will be available for free streaming on DAZN globally. Select matches may also be broadcast on television in certain regions through DAZN’s partnerships with local networks.

Here’s how to catch the club World Cup opener in various regions: