Sabasports Match Preview
Club World Cup: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami CF
Kickoff Time: 2025-06-15 08:00 (HKT)
Source: Imagn Images/Sam Navarro
Al Ahly currently competes in Egypt’s Premier League and is one of the oldest football teams in the country. They were crowned champions of the 2023-2024 African Champions League, bearing the highest honor for an African club. The team is a regular participant in the FIFA Club World Cup, having won the bronze medal four times and finishing fourth once. In the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, Al Ahly secured third place with a resilient performance and impressive teamwork, defeating Urawa Red Diamonds 4-2. Looking at their squad, Al Ahly boasts numerous Egyptian internationals; however, their frontline is led by a Palestinian player. Wessam Abou Ali (age 26), who holds both Palestinian and Danish nationalities, began his career in the Danish Superliga before playing in Sweden. Over the last two seasons, Ali has scored over 10 goals each year. This season, he has contributed 10 goals and three assists in 16 league appearances. Tactically, Al Ahly emphasizes physical challenges and disrupting opponents’ rhythm, even if it means committing fouls, but they lack finesse and skill precision, making them less competitive. Due to budget constraints, the team’s training base is located at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, leading to inadequate preparation.
Thanks to the host advantage, Inter Miami participates as a wildcard team. Moreover, all three group stage matches are scheduled in Florida, eliminating travel fatigue. Records show that Inter Miami is a young club established less than 10 years ago, joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020. With owner David Beckham’s star policy, Inter Miami’s reputation has grown steadily. In 2023, Beckham signed Lionel Messi after he won the World Cup, followed by Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Currently, Inter Miami fields 23 non-American players, the most in MLS. Tactically, Inter Miami builds around Messi using a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on short passes and individual breakthroughs, with the ability to score from set pieces. During games, Messi typically plays as a false nine or right-sided free role, enjoying high tactical freedom. Suarez acts as the focal point in midfield with his back-to-goal skills and goal-scoring instincts. Busquets’ deep-lying playmaking becomes the hub for attacking transitions. Their triangular passing near the penalty area theoretically could dismantle any tight defense.
Observant fans will notice that only the A group containing the host team lacks clubs from Europe’s top five leagues, indicating FIFA intends to ensure Inter Miami progresses to the knockout stages. As opening match of the tournament, host teams often receive favorable treatment from referees in close calls, likely tipping in favor of Inter Miami. Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent UEFA Nations League triumph may fuel Messi’s motivation to shine at the FIFA Club World Cup. Given the significant gap in strength and support from home fans, Inter Miami enjoys every advantage, ensuring their victory in this matchup.
Al Ahly’s Last 5 Games: WWWWW
25-05-29 Al Ahly 6-0 Pharco FC
25-05-18 Al Ahly 2-1 National Bank
25-05-13 Ceramica Cleopatra 0-1 Al Ahly
25-05-09 Al Masry 2-4 Al Ahly
25-05-05 Al Ahly 5-0 Haras El Hodood
Inter Miami CF’s Last 5 Games: WWDLD
25-06-01 Inter Miami CF 5-1 Columbus Crew
25-05-29 Inter Miami CF 4-2 CF Montreal
25-05-25 Philadelphia Union 3-3 Inter Miami CF
25-05-19 Inter Miami CF 0–3 Orlando City
25-05-15 San Jose Earthquakes 3-3 Inter Miami CF
Head To Head Record:
None
Prediction: Inter Miami CF to win