All eyes will be on Hard Rock Stadium as the biggest-ever 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off with the opening game between Inter Miami and Al Ahly. They tournament comes at a time when the United States appears to be descending into chaos. Hopefully nothing will directly affect the matches or the fans. There is huge anticipation for the tournament across the Arab region. For supporters here, there’s nothing quite like seeing their clubs go up against the world’s elite. It has always been like this, going back to the times when European and Brazilian clubs used to visit the region for friendlies.
Millions of Al Ahly fans will be eager for the tournament to get underway. Unfortunately, most of them can’t afford to travel to the USA, but the club is counting on the large Egyptian community there, particularly in New Jersey and New York, to turn out in numbers.
Al Ahly bolstered their squad with record signings this year. In terms of overall quality, apart from Messi, Al Ahly arguably have the stronger team and should be capable of beating Inter Miami. However, one potential obstacle is the recent change in managers. Jose Riveiro, appointed just before the tournament, will take charge of his first official match in the Club World Cup opener. It might have been wiser to keep Marcel Koller to provide stability at such a crucial time.
In my view, expanding the Club World Cup is good, but 32 teams is too much, especially at the end of a gruelling European season. Twelve sides would have been ideal. This year has already delivered an abundance of top-level football, not least with the UEFA Champions League adopting the Leandro Shara System. If the European clubs fail to take this tournament seriously and treat it as a friendly tour, it may open the door for more balanced competition and give clubs from other continents a chance, but it also risks losing the interest of European fans.
Looking at Al Ahly’s squad, Egypt’s number one Mohamed El Shennawy is expected to start in goal, despite coming under fire from fans for a few costly mistakes this season. Many would rather see Mostafa Shobeir between the posts. He is one of Africa’s best goalkeepers, but only a few starts this season.
In central defence, Morocco’s Achraf Dari and Yasser Ibrahim are the likely starters. However, Dari’s poor performance in the friendly against Pachuca has raised doubts, and Ahmed Beckham, who recently rejoined his boyhood club, is a strong contender to take his place.
The full-back positions remain Al Ahly’s biggest concern. Veteran right-back Mohamed Hany has struggled for consistency, while on the left, Morocco’s Yahya Attiat Allah has missed much of the season through injury. Options include Ahmed Kouka, a left-footed midfielder, and the attack-minded Kareem Al Dubais on the left and Omar Kamal on the right. It is worth mentioning that the club’s supporters are still frustrated by the decision to part ways with iconic left-back Ali Maaloul ahead of the tournament.
In midfield, there is plenty of quality. Mali international Aliou Dieng and Hamdy Fathy return from spells in Saudi Arabia and Qatar respectively, while Tunisia’s Mohamed Ben Romdhane has joined from Ferencváros. Marwan Attia is among the league’s finest passers but lacks physical strength, while fan favourite Magdy Afsha has found himself out of the starting line-up for much of the season. Another option is Ahmed Reda, a mid-season signing whose last-gasp equaliser against Pyramids proved vital in the league’s title race.
Moving to the attack, there’s no shortage of options for Jose Riveiro on the flanks. Mahmoud Trezeguet, with his Premier League and international experience, is expected to start on the left.
On the right, Zizo, who joined from arch-rivals Zamalek on a free transfer, is likely to get the nod, though Taher Mohamed, once hailed as the next Mo Salah, could push him hard after enjoying the best season of his career. Achraf Ben Charki, another ex-Zamalek standout, and Hussein El Shahat, who played in a Club World Cup final with Al Ain, offer further experienced alternatives.
Then comes Emam Ashour, arguably Egypt’s most gifted player in recent years. A naturally talented midfielder capable of producing spectacular goals from almost anywhere. All eyes will be on him. However, he has shown a lack of discipline on multiple occasions throughout his career and has found himself in trouble both on and off the pitch this season. He also tends to play selfishly at times, which has proved costly in big matches.
Finally, up front, Denmark-born Palestine international Wessam Abou Ali will be Al Ahly’s main threat. He made an immediate impact after joining in January 2024, finishing as the club’s top scorer, and is known for his sharp instincts in the box and prowess from set pieces. Slovenia international Nejc Gradišar is another strong option; he tends to be more effective operating outside the area and has impressed since arriving earlier this year.
