FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Group A: Palmeiras vs Al Ahly | Preview and Prediction

This Group A encounter of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played between Brazilian club Palmeiras and Egyptian giants Al Ahly on June 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Here are our preview and prediction for the game.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Group A: SE Palmeiras vs Al Ahly FC | 21:30 IST, June 19

With both teams having played in goalless draws in their respective opening encounters, they will be looking for a favourable result to have any chance of qualifying for the Round of 16.

In the Palmeiras–Porto encounter, there were two young talents to watch out for in Estêvão Willian and Rodrigo Mora, but neither could conjure anything, with both their keeper — Weverton — and Porto’s stand-in goalie Claudio Ramos keeping clean sheets.

Ramos produced three consecutive saves in the first-half stoppage time from Estêvão and Maurício from close range and then from a follow-up shot from Richard Ríos. Palmeiras almost grabbed a late winner with a header from Murilo Cerqueira, but it hit the upright. 

45-time Egyptian champions Al Ahly, on the other hand, also managed a draw against MLS side Inter Miami. What was touted as a great opening game — thanks in no small part to the presence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez — ended as a thrilling yet goalless affair. The main highlight was the penalty miss by Al Ahly frontman Trézéguet in the closing stages of the first half. Inter Miami did threaten after a poor first half, with Messi striking a 25-yard curler, which hit the post. Then, with six minutes to go, Messi’s in-swinging cross was headed goalwards by Fafà Picault, but it was tipped off the bar. 

While Al Ahly survived a late onslaught from Inter Miami, they did incur a massive loss in the form of Emam Ashour, who suffered a collarbone injury in the game and might be sidelined for the entire tournament. The Egyptian midfielder has been highly influential for the side and at the forefront of most attacking metrics in the domestic league. 

Coming to this match-up, Palmeiras played well against Porto but were unlucky as the Portuguese side’s keeper stood like a wall against them. It looks likely that they will continue their attacking style of play against Al Ahly. With the record Egyptian champions losing some of their creative prowess, they may be found wanting. 

So we give Palmeiras the edge here. With Round of 16 qualification on the line, it could be a cagey affair, but a Palmeiras win looks the most likely outcome. 

Score Prediction: Palmeiras 2–1 Al Ahly
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey