In one of the pivotal third-round fixtures of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Portuguese side FC Porto will take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the early hours of Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. With both sides desperate for three points, this clash promises end-to-end action—and goals.
Match Preview
Porto’s campaign in this year’s Club World Cup has been turbulent. Under head coach Martín Anselmi, the team aims to control possession and dictate the tempo, but recurring lapses in concentration have cost them dearly. In their last outing against Inter Miami, Porto took an early lead but capitulated in the second half, ultimately losing 2-1.
A key concern for the Portuguese side has been their inefficiency in front of goal. Across their last four international fixtures, Porto have scored just twice—an underwhelming return for a club of their caliber. With their tournament hopes hanging by a thread, nothing short of victory will suffice. A draw or loss will eliminate them from the competition.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, are a side known for their grit and tactical discipline. They managed to hold Palmeiras in the first half of their last match but crumbled after the break, conceding twice to suffer their first defeat in five Club World Cup games. Despite the setback, the Egyptian champions are still in contention—though their fate hinges on both their own result and the outcome of the Inter Miami vs Palmeiras clash.
Complicating matters for Al Ahly is the absence of key midfielder Emam Ashour, whose absence could hamper their ability to control the middle of the park. Still, the Red Devils are no strangers to high-pressure situations and are capable of striking when least expected. Expect them to come out with attacking intent, knowing that only a win can keep their hopes alive.
Probable Lineups:
FC Porto: Cláudio Ramos; Martim Fernandes, Ivan Marcano, Zé Pedro; João Mário, Gabriel Veiga, Fábio Vieira, Francisco Moura; Alan Varela, Samu Agehova, Rodrigo Mora de Carvalho
Al Ahly: Mohamed El-Shenawy; Mohamed Hany, Achraf Dari, Yasser El-Hanafi, Yahya Attiyat-Allah; Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane; Mahmoud Trezeguet, Wissam Abu Ali, Ahmed Sayed
Head-to-Head and Key Stats:
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This is the first-ever official meeting between FC Porto and Al Ahly.
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Six of Porto’s last seven international matches have featured three goals or fewer.
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Al Ahly have scored in 8 of their last 12 Club World Cup appearances.
Prediction:
With both teams needing a win to survive, expect an open and attacking contest. Porto’s aggressive style under Anselmi often leaves them exposed at the back, while Al Ahly’s compact defense is balanced by a dangerous counterattack. Given the stakes and each side’s urgency, goals are likely at both ends.
Prediction: Both teams to score – Odds: 1.73
