All Eyes on MetLife: Porto Versus Al Ahly Sets New Stage at Club World Cup
The anticipation for the clash between FC Porto and Al Ahly is mounting as both sides gear up for their first ever showdown in the FIFA Club World Cup at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on June 24, 2025. The stakes are clear: a place in the next round and bragging rights in a historic meeting. On paper, Porto comes in as the favorite, but there’s much more bubbling beneath the surface.
Bookmakers have tipped Porto with 1.71 odds to win, but recent matches show the veteran Portuguese side hasn’t had it easy in front of goal. Despite regularly controlling possession and completing up to 670 passes per match with an impressive 85% accuracy, the goals just haven’t come—one solitary strike in their last three competitive games tells the story of an attack struggling to click. The pressure rests on the likes of Toni Martínez up front, with support from wide man Francisco Conceição and midfield orchestrators Otávio and Grujić.
Veteran defender Pepe is a regular in Porto’s back line, and Diogo Costa stands between the posts. Porto fans will expect leadership and structure at the back, especially considering how slim their margins have been lately.
Al Ahly’s High-Tempo Challenge and Disciplinary Headaches
Over in the Al Ahly camp, the approach couldn’t be more different. The Egyptian side’s best moments come from lightning-quick transitions, with Abou Ali leading the counter and support from Percy Tau and Ramadan Sobhi. The approach relies on rapid bursts and exploiting gaps but suffers when opponents keep the ball. That’s where Porto’s possession play could really hurt them.
Yet Al Ahly’s challenges aren’t just tactical. Their discipline has been shaky, racking up 38 fouls and four yellow cards during their last five games—a statistic that could easily tip this contest if frustration mounts. It’s even more concerning when paired with a drought in front of goal: Al Ahly has failed to find the back of the net through the group stages, making their task even tougher against disciplined European opposition.
Al Ahly’s probable starting lineup includes Mostafa Shobeir in goal, defensive regulars like Ali Maâloul, and upfield threats Percy Tau and Sobhi. But unless they convert their chances and stay out of the referee’s book, their underdog story might hit a wall.
Recent form for both clubs hasn’t been sparkling, giving punters and fans more to ponder. The smart money, according to analysts, sits with bets like Porto Draw No Bet (1.80 odds), Under 2.5 goals due to both sides’ attacking issues, and Over 8.5 corners with both teams likely to stretch play in search of an elusive breakthrough.
Predictions are tilting toward a disciplined Porto win—2-0 is a popular pick—relying on home comforts, steadier play, and a tactical edge. Al Ahly’s record outside Egypt in this tournament hasn’t impressed, but as football often shows, a little chaos, a disciplined defense, and hunger for a first goal can flip the script. All eyes turn to see if the established favorite holds firm or if Al Ahly can turn their struggles into a surprise.