Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
In the early hours of Sunday, June 15, the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup will see Al Ahly Cairo take on Inter Miami. The showdown kicks off at 2:00 a.m. Central European Time, and here’s my take on the best bet for this clash.
Al Ahly vs Inter Miami: Match preview
Al Ahly are perennial Egyptian champions and, crucially, hold the record for CAF Champions League titles. While the Egyptian giants failed to reclaim the African crown this season, they maintained their domestic dominance. In preparation for the tournament, Al Ahly played a friendly against Pachuca, narrowly losing 1-2 on penalties. The club has also made a managerial change, with former Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro taking the reins.
Inter Miami are the true star-studded side of MLS—arguably the most dazzling in the league. Busquets, Alba, Suárez, and, of course, Lionel Messi are ready to shine in the revamped tournament format. Thanks to their regular season triumph last year, Inter Miami booked their ticket to the Club World Cup. Heading into the competition, the team is in sharp form—with a draw and a win in their last two matches, netting at least four goals in each game.
Match facts and head-to-head
- This is Inter Miami’s debut appearance at the Club World Cup.
- Inter are unbeaten in their last three games.
- Inter Miami have scored nine goals in their last two fixtures.
- These teams have never faced each other before.
Probable lineups
- Al Ahly: El-Shenawy, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hani, Dari, Al-Aash, Attia, Ashour, Reda, Gradishar, Mohamed
- Inter Miami: Ustari, Weigandt, Allen, Martinez, Falcon, Segovia, Cremaschi, Busquets, Allende, Suarez, Messi
Prediction
This is practically a home game for Inter Miami, and the team will be eager to claim victory. The full star ensemble of the American club is gearing up for the clash, and in my view, containing Lionel Messi and company—who are hitting their stride ahead of the tournament—will be a massive challenge. I’m backing Inter Miami to win, with odds of 2.
