Club World Cup 2025 gets underway
Club World Cup’s 1st edition of the new 32 team tournament set to kick off for the very first time on Saturday June 14th. In this preview of the Club World Cup we take a look at the teams from Group A. Porto, Palmeiras, Al Ahly and Inter Miami are set to battle it out in what is expected to be a heated contest in determining the two clubs that progress from the group. These clubs will all have a point to prove as they aim to go all the way in this year’s tournament. In terms of the biggest matchup in this group you can expect to see an exciting match up between Inter Miami and FC Porto.
How will Africa’s most successful club perform ?
Al Ahly may not be favored to go far in this tournament but they could be one of the surprise packages. Al Ahly, the most successful club in Africa and one of the most successful teams globally is coming off the back of a successful season. Despite being underdogs to the other teams in the group tournament football always comes with its surprises. The Egyptian outfit can attribute their strong season to their well organized backline structure, their individual talent and their ability to catch teams out on the counter. The African Giants may not be tipped to get the better of the other teams but if they lean on their strengths they could end up being a potential dark horse. Despite Al Ahly having all these strengths they will be facing some of the best teams from the world and giving them a much heavier challenge.
Palmeiras hoping to make a statement in this tournament
En la imagen, jugadores de Palmeiras celebran un gol. EFE/Archivo
Palmeiras arrive in the Club World Cup after an average first half of the season. Given the Brazillian side’s form not being what many of their fans would have hoped for they arrive in this tournament in the hopes of making a name for themselves. Palmeiras could use the fact that many spectators do not expect them to go far in the tournament as a cause to fuel their performances. Palmeiras will want to give their best possible performance in the Club World Cup to give something back to their fans. Their performance in the tournament could also provide a major confidence booster for the remainder of the season. The Brazilian club will also brief a sigh of relief that their star player Estevao will be with them for the tournament before joining Chelsea next year.
Can Miami turn their fortunes around ?
Inter Miami are coming off a poor run of form from their previous games going into this Club World Cup. During the last month they were only able to pick up three wins from seven games. They also come into this tournament after being knocked out by Vancouver 5-1 on aggregate in Concacaf Champions League. Inter Miami is going to have to be better defensively if they are to reach the next round of the Club World Cup. Their failure to block out counter attacks has seen them concede many goals they could have easily stopped. However the Herons do know how to pass the ball around which can often draw defenses out of positions. This on the other hand saw them claim 1st place in the MLS last season. It remains to be seen if Miami can go far however with Messi there is always a chance.
Porto hoping to redeem themselves
Porto is another team that is coming off of a disappointing season heading into this summers Club World Cup. Tripeiros failed to win any major trophies and were pipped to the Liga Portugal by their rivals Sporting. Despite being an unpredictable group Porto is backed by many to reach the knockout stages of the tournament. Porto is known for their gegenpressing style and their well drilled defense that can maintain their shape. They also know how to punish opponents who leave small pockets of space in final third. All these factors could see them go on and be a potential dark horse in this Club World Cup edition.
