Palmeiras vs Al Ahly on June 19, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as part of the FIFA Club World Cup Group A. Both teams are coming into this match making this a crucial fixture for either side to boost their chances of advancing. Historically, the teams have met twice before in the tournament, with Palmeiras winning once and the other match ending in a draw that Al Ahly won on penalties. With the group tightly contested, this match could be decisive in determining who progresses to the knockout stage.
Recent Team Form
Here’s a summary of the recent form for both teams heading into their Club World Cup clash:
Palmeiras
Overall season (2025): Played 36 matches across competitions — won 23, drew 8, lost 5 — scoring 58 goals and conceding 23, with 19 clean sheets.
Domestic form (Campeonato Paulista + national league): Good consistency, with 1.92 points per game and averaging 1.75 goals scored vs 0.83 conceded over the last 8 league matches.
Club World Cup opener: Dominated Porto in a 0–0 draw at MetLife Stadium but were repeatedly denied by Porto’s keeper, nearly scoring late.
Key scorers: Estêvão has netted 11 goals, López 10, and Maurício added 7 across all tournaments.
Form outlook: Attacking threat is clear, though finishing has been an issue recently defensively solid too.
Al Ahly
Egyptian Premier League (2024–25): Exceptional domestic unbeaten run — 11 wins and 7 draws in 18 games (0 losses), averaging 2.22 points and conceding only 0.56 goals per match.
Recent CAF competition: Mixed results — won African Super Cup on penalties, strong start in CAF Champions League, and Intercontinental Cup.
Last 6 League Matches: Very solid — 6 wins, averaging 3.5 goals scored and 0 conceded per game.
Club World Cup opener: Held Messi’s Inter Miami to a 0–0 draw, benefiting from a saved penalty and strong defensive shape.
Form outlook: Excellent defensively, unbeaten in domestic play, and confident on the big stage even against top talent like Messi.
Bottom line
Both Palmeiras and Al Ahly arrive in strong shape. Palmeiras bring sustained attacking firepower and a staunch defense, while Al Ahly are riding an unbeaten domestic wave and have already shown solidity against elite opposition. Expect a tight, tactical battle with a strong emphasis on solidity and control.
Team Details
The key team profiles for the upcoming match:
Palmeiras
Head Coach: Abel Ferreira, managing a balanced but dynamic squad.
Key Players:
Weverton (GK) – experienced stopper, vital in big games.
Estêvão – rising 17‑year‑old winger, nicknamed “Messinho,” scoring in Copa Libertadores and drawing Chelsea’s interest.
Vitor Roque – young forward from Barcelona via Betis, signed Feb 2025, still finding his footing.
Facundo Torres & Paulinho – January arrivals to add creativity and depth up front.
Al Ahly
Head Coach: José Riveiro (since May 29, 2025), Spanish tactician known for high-press, drawing on European and African influences.
Captain: Mohamed El‑Shenawy, veteran and leader between the sticks.
Key Players:
El‑Shenawy (GK) – commanding presence and captain.
Hussein El Shahat & Taher Mohamed – wingers who challenge defenses with speed and crossing.
Afsha – creative midfielder with a knack for scoring in big games.
Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” – newly returned attacker/midfielder, versatile and influential.
Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane – versatile Tunisian midfielder signed recently, offering control and flexibility.
Squad Size: A sharp 26–28 player squad taken to the USA for focus and flexibility.
Predicted Lineup
Here are the predicted starting lineups for Palmeiras and Al Ahly ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup clash:
Palmeiras (4‑2‑3‑1)
Probable XI (from recent tactical previews and lineup leaks):
GK: Weverton
Defenders: Marcos Rocha (RB), Joaquín Piquerez (LB), Gustavo Gómez (CB), Luan (CB)
Midfield‑double pivot: Danilo (CDM), Zé Rafael (CDM)
Attacking midfield trio: Gustavo Scarpa (LM), Raphael Veiga (CAM), Dudu (RM)
Striker: Rony
This matches the 4‑2‑3‑1/4‑3‑3 used by coach Abel Ferreira, featuring a crisp midfield base with creative outlets up front.
Al Ahly (4‑2‑3‑1 / 3‑4‑3 hybrid)
Probable XI :
GK: Hamza Alaa
Defenders: Rami Rabia (CB), Yasser Ibrahim (CB), Mohamed Maghrabi (CB), Mohamed Hany (RB); with Ali Maâloul operating as LB/wing-back in attack
Midfield: Aliou Dieng (CDM), Mohamed Magdy (CAM), Mohamed Hany/Emam Ashour (CAM)
Attackers: Taher Mohamed (RW), Hussein El‑Shahat (LW), Ahmed Abdelkader as central forward
Their shape often fluently shifts between a back four and a back three, with wing‑backs pushing into midfield and wide attackers breaking in.
Tactical Outlook
Palmeiras will look to control possession with midfield balance, relying on Scarpa and Veiga to unlock Al Ahly’s defense while Rony leads the line.
Al Ahly, under coach Riveiro, aim to defend compactly and spring forward through wide outlets (El‑Shahat, Taher) and midfield runners like Dieng. Maâloul’s overlapping runs will be key.
Importance of Palmeiras vs Al Ahly
The match between Palmeiras and Al Ahly is highly significant for several reasons:
1. Decisive for Group A Qualification
Both teams drew their opening matches (Palmeiras vs Porto and Al Ahly vs Inter Miami), so they each sit on 1 point.
• A win here could likely send one team to the knockout stage.
• A loss would place major pressure on the final group game.
2. Continental Pride: South America vs Africa
• Palmeiras represent CONMEBOL (Brazil) – a powerhouse region known for producing Club World Cup champions.
• Al Ahly are the most successful club in African football history (CAF) and are eager to prove they can compete with South America’s elite.
This match symbolizes intercontinental rivalry and respect.
3. Historic Rivalry Rematch
• These clubs met twice before in the Club World Cup (2021 & 2022).
• Each has a claim: Al Ahly won once on penalties, Palmeiras won outright once.
• This clash serves as a “rubber match” in their mini-rivalry, adding intensity.
4. Club Prestige & Global Exposure
• Advancing in the Club World Cup boosts global recognition, sponsorship value, and player exposure.
• For Palmeiras, it’s a chance to reinforce Brazil’s dominance.
• For Al Ahly, a deep run would elevate African football’s profile worldwide.
5. Player Scouting & Future Transfers
Top talents like Estêvão (Palmeiras) and Taher Mohamed (Al Ahly) are under international scouting lenses.
Strong performances here can lead to major European club interest.
Conclusion : Palmeiras vs Al Ahly
The upcoming clash between Palmeiras and Al Ahly is more than just a group stage fixture—it’s a pivotal showdown that could shape the fate of Group A at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. With both teams entering the match on equal footing after opening draws, the stakes are immense. Palmeiras bring technical quality, youth talent, and continental pedigree, while Al Ahly arrive with momentum, defensive strength, and a history of punching above their weight on the global stage. With qualification and prestige on the line, this encounter promises to be a tightly contested, high-intensity battle that fans around the world won’t want to miss.
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