June 15, 2025 – Inter Miami CF kicked off their historic participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a thrilling 0-0 draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly FC at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The match, which marked the opening game of the revamped 32-team tournament, showcased the resilience and star power of Inter Miami, led by global icon Lionel Messi, against one of Africa’s most decorated clubs. This blog post dives into the details of the Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match, Inter Miami’s schedule, and what lies ahead for the Herons in the Club World Cup.
A Historic Night for Miami Soccer
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 represents a landmark moment for Miami soccer, with Inter Miami CF leading the charge as the host nation’s representative. The tournament, held across the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, features 32 teams from six confederations competing for the title of world’s best club. Inter Miami earned their spot by clinching the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield with a record-breaking 74 points, cementing their status as the top-performing team in Major League Soccer’s regular season.
The opening match against Al Ahly was a spectacle, drawing a crowd of 60,927 fans to Hard Rock Stadium. Despite concerns about ticket sales, with FIFA slashing prices to fill seats, the atmosphere was electric, with a significant contingent of Al Ahly FC supporters adding to the vibrant energy. The game was a test of Inter Miami’s mettle, as they faced a formidable opponent with 155 trophies, including 45 Egyptian Premier League titles and 12 CAF Champions League crowns.
Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami: A Goalless Thriller
The highly anticipated Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami clash ended in a 0-0 draw, but the scoreline belied the intensity of the match. Both teams showcased defensive resilience and moments of brilliance, with goalkeepers Oscar Ustari of Inter Miami and Mohamed El Shenawy of Al Ahly stealing the show. The Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami score reflected a tightly contested battle, with neither side able to find the back of the net despite several close chances.
First Half: Al Ahly’s Pressure Meets Ustari’s Heroics
Al Ahly dominated possession early, putting Inter Miami under pressure with their attacking prowess. Star striker Wessam Abou Ali found himself in promising positions, only to be thwarted by offside calls or Oscar Ustari’s exceptional goalkeeping. The defining moment of the first half came in the 43rd minute when Al Ahly was awarded a penalty. Former Aston Villa forward Trézéguet stepped up, but Ustari’s diving save kept the score level, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Read More
Breaking News: Minnesota Lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman Shot in Targeted Attacks
Inter Miami’s defense, led by Sergio Busquets and Tomás Avilés, held firm despite injuries to key players like Jordi Alba and Drake Callender. The Herons struggled to create chances in the first half, with Lionel Messi closely marked by Al Ahly’s disciplined backline.
Second Half: Messi’s Magic and El Shenawy’s Saves
The second half saw Inter Miami come alive, with Lionel Messi nearly breaking the deadlock. In the 63rd minute, Messi curled a free kick just wide, fooling the crowd into thinking he had scored. Later, he set up substitute Fafa Picault with a pinpoint cross, only for El Shenawy to make a stunning save. In stoppage time, El Shenawy denied Messi again, tipping a shot onto the crossbar to secure the draw.
Al Ahly also had their chances, with Emam Ashour and Hussein El Shahat testing Ustari, but Inter Miami’s goalkeeper remained unbreakable. The Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly score of 0-0 was a fair reflection of a match where both teams showcased their quality but couldn’t find the decisive moment.
Key Players: Messi, Ustari, and Al Ahly’s Stars
Lionel Messi, the heartbeat of Inter Miami, was a constant threat despite not finding the net. His vision and creativity were evident, particularly in the second half, where he nearly won the game single-handedly. Oscar Ustari, at 38, delivered a performance for the ages, making eight saves, including the crucial penalty stop. Sergio Busquets anchored the midfield, earning a yellow card for his tenacity, while Luis Suárez and Fafa Picault added dynamism to the attack.
For Al Ahly, Mohamed El Shenawy was equally heroic, with his late saves denying Inter Miami victory. Emam Ashour, the Egyptian Premier League’s top scorer in 2024-25, and Trézéguet brought flair to the attack, while defenders Yasser Ibrahim and Mohamed Hany kept Messi in check. New head coach José Riveiro, in his first competitive match, showed tactical acumen in frustrating Inter Miami’s star-studded lineup.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Format and Schedule
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 features a group stage with eight groups of four teams, followed by a single-match knockout phase from the Round of 16 to the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium. Inter Miami is in Group A alongside Al Ahly, FC Porto, and Palmeiras. The top two teams from each group advance, making every point crucial.
Inter Miami’s Club World Cup Schedule
- June 14, 2025: Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, 8:00 p.m. ET (0-0 draw)
- June 19, 2025: Inter Miami vs. FC Porto – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, 3:00 p.m. ET
- June 23, 2025: Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, 9:00 p.m. ET
Fans can follow the Club World Cup schedule to track all 63 matches. Where to watch FIFA Club World Cup matches is straightforward, with DAZN offering free streaming globally, and TBS broadcasting in the U.S. For those looking to attend, tickets are available through FIFA’s official website.
Inter Miami’s Journey to the World Stage
Inter Miami CF, often referred to as Inter de Miami by Spanish-speaking fans, has transformed from a fledgling MLS club to a global powerhouse since its founding in 2018. The arrival of Lionel Messi in July 2023, followed by Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez, elevated the club’s profile. Under head coach Javier Mascherano, another former Barcelona star, Inter Miami has embraced a possession-based, attacking style that resonates with fans worldwide.
Their 2024 MLS season was a triumph, with Messi leading the team to the Supporters’ Shield and earning MLS Player of the Month honors in May 2025 with 7 goals and 4 assists in seven games. The Inter Miami score in their final MLS match before the Club World Cup, a 5-1 rout of Columbus Crew, showcased their attacking prowess, with Fafa Picault and Maximiliano Falcón among the contributors.
Al Ahly: The Egyptian Giants
Al Ahly FC, known as Ahly or Al-Ahly, is a juggernaut in African football. With 12 CAF Champions League titles and 45 Egyptian Premier League crowns, they are the most successful club in the continent’s history. Their qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 came via their 2020-21 CAF Champions League victory, though they were dethroned in 2024-25 by Mamelodi Sundowns.
Led by new coach José Riveiro, Al Ahly brought a blend of experience and flair to Miami. Players like Emam Ashour, who contributed to 20 goals in the Egyptian Premier League last season, and Trézéguet, a former Premier League star, posed constant threats. The Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami standings after the match saw both teams earn a point, with Al Ahly ranked first and Inter Miami second in Group A.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
The draw against Al Ahly sets the stage for Inter Miami’s upcoming challenges in Group A. Their next match, Inter Miami vs. FC Porto on June 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will test their ability to adapt to European opposition. FC Porto, with 30 Primeira Liga titles and seven international trophies, will be a formidable foe. On June 23, Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium will pit them against Brazil’s 12-time Série A champions.
To advance, Inter Miami must finish in the top two of Group A. The Club World Cup groups are highly competitive, and every match will be crucial. Fans can watch Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly and other matches live on DAZN or TBS, with streaming options ensuring global access.
The Impact of the Club World Cup on Miami
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is a significant moment for Miami, which will also host matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Hard Rock Stadium, a venue for NFL games, concerts, and now global soccer, is at the heart of this sporting renaissance. The World Club Cup offers Miami FC and the broader soccer community a chance to shine on the world stage, with Inter Miami leading the charge.
The tournament also highlights the growing influence of Messi and Inter Miami FC in elevating MLS’s global profile. The Inter Miami game against Al Ahly was a showcase of their ambition, with Messi, Suárez, and Busquets proving they can compete with the best.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite their strong performance, Inter Miami faces challenges. Injuries to players like Jordi Alba and David Ruiz could impact their depth, and their defense, described as porous by some analysts, will need to tighten against teams like Porto and Palmeiras. However, the experience of Messi, a three-time Club World Cup winner, and Mascherano’s tactical nous provide optimism.
For Al Ahly, the draw was a missed opportunity, as striker Wessam Abou Ali noted they could have scored multiple goals in the first half. Their experience in the CWC, with 10 previous appearances, makes them a threat to advance, but they’ll need to capitalize on chances against Porto and Palmeiras.
Where to Watch and Engage
Fans wondering where to watch Club World Cup matches can tune into DAZN for free global streaming or TBS in the U.S. For live updates, platforms like Sofascore and LiveScore provide real-time stats and scores. Social media, particularly X, offers a pulse on fan reactions, with posts from Al Ahly and Inter Miami showcasing the excitement surrounding the Inter Miami match today.
Conclusion
The Al-Ahly vs. Inter Miami draw was a fitting start to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, highlighting the global appeal of Inter Miami and the competitive spirit of Al Ahly. With Lionel Messi leading the way, Inter Miami FC is poised to make a mark in the World Cup clubs. As they prepare for their next Inter Miami match against FC Porto, the Herons have shown they belong on the world stage. Stay tuned for more updates on the Club World.Cup and Inter Miami’s journey.
Reference
- FIFA Official Website – Official source for FIFA Club World Cup news and schedules.
- Inter Miami CF – Official club website for rosters, schedules, and tickets.
- Al Ahly SC – Official website of Al Ahly FC for team updates.
- DAZN – Streaming platform for live Club World Cup matches.
- MLS Soccer – Comprehensive coverage of MLS and Inter Miami’s journey.
FAQ
Q: What was the score of the Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
A: The Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami score was 0-0, with both teams earning a point in their Group A opener.
Q: Where can I watch Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly and other Club World Cup matches?
A: Fans can watch Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly where to watch on DAZN for free global streaming or TBS in the U.S.
Q: What is Inter Miami’s schedule in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
A: Inter Miami’s schedule includes matches against Al Ahly (June 14), FC Porto (June 19), and Palmeiras (June 23) in Group A.
Q: Who were the standout players in the Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match?
A: Lionel Messi, Oscar Ustari, and Fafa Picault shone for Inter Miami, while Mohamed El Shenawy and Emam Ashour impressed for Al Ahly.
Q: How did Inter Miami qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
A: Inter Miami qualified as the host nation’s representative after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield with a record 74 points.
