Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will face Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly tonight at Hard Rock Stadium, marking the official start of the first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Kick-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time in Miami, as the tournament begins its month-long run across 11 cities in the United States.
Despite the prestige surrounding the event, which FIFA President Gianni Infantino has championed as a new era for global club competition, the tournament’s grand opening risks being overshadowed by low attendance.
With only hours remaining before the curtain rises, thousands of unsold tickets raise concerns that the 65,000-seat stadium may appear half-empty for its showcase opener.
Organisers remain publicly optimistic, not only for tonight’s game but also for the entire 47-match schedule. Nonetheless, logistical challenges—particularly the scale of travel required across vast American distances—have prompted questions about the accessibility of the tournament for fans and media alike.
On the pitch, however, anticipation is high. Inter Miami, part-owned by former England captain David Beckham, comes into the match sitting third in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.
Their lineup is headlined by global icon Lionel Messi, whose presence adds undeniable star power to the competition’s debut. The Argentine forward, now in his second season with the club, is expected to lead a side peppered with experienced veterans and former international standouts.
Their opponents, Al Ahly, represent Africa’s most decorated football institution. Though the Cairo-based club recently fell short in the CAF Champions League, they arrive in Miami with renewed determination.
Eager to assert themselves on the world stage, the Egyptian side has moved swiftly to strengthen its squad ahead of the tournament.
Among the new arrivals is Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who joins the squad in search of continental redemption. He will be joined by Egyptian international Mahmoud Hassan—better known as Trézéguet—whose return adds attacking firepower and creativity. Together with Palestinian forward Wessam Abou Ali, Al Ahly’s reinforced lineup is expected to provide a stern test for the American side.
The opening fixture is being viewed as more than just a match; it is a litmus test for FIFA’s ambitious new format. The expanded Club World Cup, which now features 32 teams from across the globe, aims to elevate the status of club football beyond Europe and South America, integrating representation from all confederations on a scale never before attempted.
However, questions persist regarding whether the U.S. market—already preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup—can support another major international tournament, particularly one with such a packed and demanding schedule.
The challenge of drawing fans to weekday matches in cities separated by thousands of miles has only intensified scrutiny around ticket sales and stadium turnout.
While the logistical concerns remain real, all eyes tonight will be on the players. Messi’s Inter Miami carries the weight of expectation, but Al Ahly, known for their discipline and tactical structure, are unlikely to be overawed.
As the first whistle blows at Hard Rock Stadium, the footballing world will be watching to see whether the opening clash lives up to the billing and whether this bold new version of the FIFA Club World Cup can capture the imagination of fans across the globe.
