Preview of the Al Ain vs Juventus match in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Get team news, predicted lineups, recent form, and what’s at stake in this crucial Group G showdown.
Al Ain FC will face Juventus on June 18, 2025, at 9:00 PM EDT (June 19, 1:00 AM UTC) at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., in their opening Group G match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This group also includes Manchester City and Wydad AC. The game marks Juventus’s debut in the newly expanded 32-team tournament, while Al Ain enters as the 2024 AFC Champions League winners. The only previous meeting between the two clubs was a friendly in 2003, which Al Ain won 1–0. The match will be broadcast in India on Sony Sports Network and streamed live on Sony LIV. Juventus enters as strong favorites, but Al Ain hopes to deliver an upset in what promises to be an exciting contest.
Recent Team Form
Details of both teams recent form heading into the match:
Al Ain FC
1–1 draw vs Al-Jazira (May 4)
1–3 loss to Baniyas (Apr 22)
3–0 win vs Al-Oruba (Apr 12)
0–0 draw at Shabab Al-Ahli (Apr 7)
2–3 loss at Dibba Al-Hisn (Mar 29)
So, in their past five league outings Al Ain have collected just 5 points (W1 D2 L2), averaging roughly 1.8 goals for and 0.8 conceded per game .
Juventus
5 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses
Last 5 Serie A games: L–D–W–L–W, most recent a 2–1 loss to Lecce (13 Apr), prior draw 1–1 with Roma, and a narrow 1–0 win over Genoa .
Across the season, Juventus have been solid in Serie A—15W‑14D‑4L—averaging 1.48 goals for and 0.94 against per match .
Summary Comparison
Al Ain have hit mixed results with just 1 win in five league games and a shaky defense, conceding in most. Juventus are more consistent, securing points in 7 of their last 10 and maintaining a positive goal difference. The Italian side clearly holds the form edge heading into this showdown.
Team Details
A refined overview of both teams ahead of their Club World Cup clash:
Al Ain FC
Coach: Vladimir “Vladan” Ivić — appointed on February 4, 2025, succeeding Leonardo Jardim.
Captain: Bandar Al‑Ahbabi.
Key Players:
Soufiane Rahimi — 28-year-old Moroccan winger, valued around €7.5 M.
Kodjo Fo‑Doh Laba — Togo striker and club’s top scorer (19 goals in 2024–25) .
Other notable names: Argentine midfielder Matías Palacios, Korean defensive mid Park Yong‑woo .
Season Summary:
Finished 5th in the UAE Pro League, won the 2024 AFC Champions League, but exited the Elite stage without a victory .
Squad built around a core of UAE internationals and a few experienced foreign signings .
Juventus FC
Coach: Igor Tudor — stepped in on March 23, 2025 (replacing Thiago Motta), and recently extended his contract through at least June 2027.
Captain: Manuel Locatelli.
Key Players:
Dušan Vlahović, top scorer with 15 goals across all competitions.
Randal Kolo Muani — influential forward on loan from PSG, available for the Club World Cup.
Alberto Costa, recent defensive acquisition from January 2025.
Midfield bolstered by Teun Koopmeiners as well as veterans Douglas Luiz and Locatelli.
Season Summary:
Ended Serie A in 4th place, returning to Champions League under Tudor’s guidance.
Reached quarter‑finals of Coppa Italia; knocked out in Champions League playoffs.
Predicted Lineup
The predicted starting lineups for tonight’s match at Audi Field (tentative formations and numbers):
Al Ain FC (4‑3‑3)
GK: Rui Patricio
Def: Kouadio – Park Yong‑woo – Cardoso – Left‐back Erik
Mid: Al‑Baloushi – Nader – Traoré in deeper role
Forwards: Rahimi – Romero – Fo‑Doh Laba
This setup balances defensive solidity with width from Rahimi and pace up front from Laba.
Juventus FC (4‑2‑3‑1)
GK: Michele Di Gregorio (No Perin or Savona due to injury)
Def: Cambiaso – Federico Gatti – Kalulu – Savona
Midfield Pivot: Thuram – Manuel Locatelli
Attacking Mid: Yildiz – Koopmeiners – Weah
Striker: Randal Kolo Muani leading the line
Coach Igor Tudor prioritizes Locatelli’s control in midfield and trusts Yildiz’s creativity behind Muani.
Importance of Al Ain FC vs Juventus
The Al Ain vs Juventus clash holds significant importance for both teams in the context of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group G:
1. Club World Cup Debut for Juventus
This match marks Juventus’s first-ever appearance in the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. As a European giant, Juventus is under pressure to deliver and advance deep into the tournament, reinforcing their global status. A strong opening win is crucial to setting the tone.
2. Chance for Al Ain to Shine on Global Stage
Al Ain, the 2024 AFC Champions League winners, come in as underdogs. A win or even a draw against a club of Juventus’s stature would be a massive statement for the club and UAE football as a whole. It’s a rare opportunity to test themselves against top-tier European competition.
3. Group G Dynamics
With Manchester City and Wydad AC also in Group G, every point is critical. A loss for either team could leave them vulnerable in what’s expected to be a tightly contested group. Goal difference could also be decisive, so managing margins is important.
4. Tactical Benchmark
This game provides both teams with a tactical benchmark, Al Ain to test their defensive discipline and speed on the break, and Juventus to assess squad cohesion under Igor Tudor in an international tournament setting.
5. Player Exposure and Marketability
Players from both sides, especially lesser-known talents like Soufiane Rahimi or Yildiz, have a global platform to impress scouts, clubs, and fans. Exceptional performances here can change careers.
Conclusion : Al Ain FC vs Juventus
The upcoming clash between Al Ain and Juventus in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is more than just a group stage match—it’s a meeting of two football worlds. For Juventus, it’s a vital first step in their debut Club World Cup campaign, where anything less than victory could complicate their path in a challenging group. For Al Ain, it’s a golden opportunity to defy expectations and prove their continental success can translate onto the global stage. With high stakes, contrasting styles, and top talent on display, this fixture promises a compelling contest that could have lasting implications for both clubs’ tournament trajectories.
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