Al Ahly manager Marcel Koller has expressed his excitement ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where his team will go head-to-head with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
The expanded tournament, set to take place from 14 June to 13 July across 11 cities in the United States, will see the Egyptian giants compete in Group A alongside Brazilian club Palmeiras, Portuguese side FC Porto, and MLS outfit Inter Miami.
A highly anticipated group stage
Speaking in a video shared on FIFA’s official X account on Tuesday, Koller acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained optimistic about Al Ahly’s prospects.
Our group for the FIFA Club World Cup is very exciting, especially with the presence of Lionel Messi, Koller said.
The Swiss tactician also highlighted the strength of Al Ahly’s opponents, emphasizing the significance of facing some of the world’s most competitive clubs.
Porto and Palmeiras are great teams in Portugal and Brazil, so these are thrilling matches for me and the players, he added.
An opportunity for Al Ahly to shine
As the reigning African champions, Al Ahly will be looking to make a strong impression on the global stage.
The team has a rich history in the competition, having participated multiple times in previous editions, often making deep runs into the latter stages.
With the Club World Cup adopting a new format this year, the tournament presents an even greater challenge, with 32 teams from various continents battling for supremacy.
Al Ahly’s group stage fixtures will be particularly high-profile, with Messi’s presence at Inter Miami adding further intrigue to their clash.
Messi and Inter Miami in the spotlight
Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is set to be one of the tournament’s biggest attractions.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, the Argentine superstar has brought international attention to the MLS, and his participation in the Club World Cup is expected to generate further excitement.
While Koller and his squad acknowledge the difficulty of their group, Al Ahly will aim to demonstrate why they remain one of Africa’s most dominant clubs.
Their experience in continental and global competitions, coupled with their determination to challenge football’s elite, makes them a team to watch when the tournament kicks off in June.
