Al Ahly aren't expected to contend for the trophy, but could they make some noise in a competitive Group A?
Al Ahly FC are the most decorated side in the Egyptian Premier League's history, having won 44 league titles. They are arguably Africa's strongest club side, as well, with 12 African Champions League crowns.
Yet, it is a roster that has largely shined exclusively in Africa and is unproven on the international stage. For example, the club's brightest star Emam Ashour has scored 40 goals in the Egyptian top flight, but has just one in five appearances for Danish side FC Midtjylland and hasn't notched any in his 16 caps for Egypt.
Still, as with any international tournament, pride is at stake – and Al Ahly FC have plenty of incentive. Fans will be watching, as will scouts from all of the leagues of the teams involved. A strong performance from Ashour or rising young Slovenian forward Nejc Gradišar could earn a high-profile move elsewhere.
The club will also be boosted by previous strong showings in the CWC, having made the third-place game in the 2020, 2021, and 2023 editions of the tournament – though this year's tournament is dramatically different due to the expanded format.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.
Next up is Al Ahly FC with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the Egyptian side at the tournament.
The Basics
DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Egyptian Premier League
CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: They have 10 prior appearances (second-most in CWC history), third-place winners in 2020, 2021 and 2023
GROUP: A (Inter Miami, Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly FC)
OPENING MATCH: Inter Miami – June 14, 8 p.m., Miami
AdvertisementAFPHow they got here
Al Ahly secured their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by winning the CAF Champions League in the 2020-21, 2022-23, and 2023-24 seasons. Their first triumph came against South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs in the '21 final. They reclaimed the title in '23 finale by defeating Morocco’s Wydad, the team that had edged them in the '22 final. Wydad, as one of the last four continental champions, will also represent Africa in the tournament.
By adding another Champions League trophy this season, Al Ahly helped open the door for South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Tunisia’s Esperance to qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup through the ranking system.
AFPThe player to watch
Al Ahly have a few stars who will introduce themselves on the global stage this summer, but by far, Ashour is the biggest. Long compared to Egyptian legend Mohamed Aboutrika, things haven't exactly gone to plan for Ashour. The midfielder struggled to live up to expectations in a high-profile move from Zamalek to Midtjylland.
Yet, in the Egyptian Premier League, he's prolific. Central midfielders who can score in double-digits and assist others are rarities, which highlight the 27-year-old's threat.
Another to watch will be veteran Mohamed El Shenawy, a legend for Al Ahly with 64 caps for Egypt. Up against some formidable attacks in Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, FC Porto, and Palmeiras, can the 36-year-old provide some goalkeeping heroics to help Al Ahly steal a result?
AFPRealistic Expectations
Al Ahly’s history in the competition and its CAF Champions League success will help, but unfortunately it won't be enough in a group stacked with dominant attacking talent, including Lionel Messi and Samu Omorodion.
The squad lacks a proven goal-scoring threat, and it’s difficult to pinpoint where they hold an edge over their higher-profile opponents, who benefit from larger wage bills and transfer budgets.
That said, Group A doesn’t have a clear-cut favorite, which could work in Al Ahly’s favor. If teams take points off each other, and if Al Ahly can grind out a draw against Inter Miami in the opener, it might set the stage for an unexpected upset later in the group stage -keeping their hopes alive.
Unlikely? Yes. But not impossible.
