The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup commenced with a goalless draw between Al Ahly and Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium, as neither side managed to break the deadlock in a match filled with drama and missed opportunities.

In the tournament’s newly expanded 32-team format, the encounter brought together Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in a tightly fought battle.

Al Ahly suffered a major blow early on, with Emam Ashour leaving the field in tears due to a shoulder injury just 12 minutes in. His place was taken by debutant Ahmed Sayed Zizo, who later played a central role in what could have been a game-defining moment.

Towards the end of the first half, Zizo was fouled inside the area, earning his side a penalty. However, Trezeguet was unable to convert, missing the opportunity in what marked his first competitive appearance back in Al Ahly colours.

Inter Miami responded with pressure of their own, particularly through the efforts of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. Yet Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, stood resilient, producing two crucial saves in added time to maintain the stalemate.

Under FIFA’s financial structure for the group stage, both clubs received $1 million following the draw.

Al Ahly are next scheduled to play Palmeiras of Brazil on Thursday, 19 June at 7:00 PM Cairo time, before concluding their Group A campaign against FC Porto on 23 June.