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LIVE: Inter Miami vs Al Ahly – FIFA Club World Cup

LIVE: Inter Miami vs Al Ahly – FIFA Club World Cup

Al Jazeera14-06-2025

Inter Miami of the United States face Al Ahly of Egypt in the opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup.The match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, United States, kicks off at 8pm kickoff (00:00 GMT on Sunday, June 15).Inter Miami finished with the most points in Major League Soccer's (MLS) regular season, handing them a place at the Club World Cup.Al Ahly won the Egyptian league this season and the CAF (Confederation of Africa Football) Champions League final the season before.Manchester City are the defending FIFA Club World Cup champions.Keep up to date: Follow Al Jazeera Sport on our website and on X for the latest news, features and live events from around the world.
Update:
Date: 8m ago (20:00 GMT)
Title: Welcome to our live coverage
Content: Hello, welcome and thanks for joining our live coverage of Inter Miami against Al Ahly in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The month-long tournament, hosted in United States, is kicking off at Inter Miami's stadium in Florida.
Despite the home side boasting the presence of one of the greatest players to have graced the field, Lionel Messi, the match will be far from a walkover.
Al Ahly carry the weight of a continent on their Egyptian shoulders, and themselves boast the most successful club record in world football.
I'm Kevin Hand and I'll bring you the live build-up to the game, as we explore the teams and the tournament itself.
Adam Hancock will bring you our comprehensive text commentary of the game.
Stick with us throughout the day, and across the tournament, for all the action.

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Messi prepares to face former club and European champions PSG
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The real competition starts now: Enrique prepared for KO phase
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Qatar Tribune

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The real competition starts now: Enrique prepared for KO phase

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