“Ahly enters the Club World Cup as a historic and major club with a legacy in continental and international competitions,” El Shenawy told the club’s official website on Thursday. “We want to perform in a way that reflects the name and stature of Ahly.”
Ahly are drawn in Group A alongside Portugal’s FC Porto, Brazil’s Palmeiras, and US side Inter Miami, led by Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
The Cairo-based club will open their campaign against Inter Miami at 3:00 a.m. Cairo time on 15 June.
El Shenawy praised the work of new coach José Riveiro, who joined last month after a spell with South Africa’s Orlando Pirates.
“The technical staff is putting in a lot of effort to prepare the players in the best possible way,” he said.
“We respect all the teams in the tournament and study our opponents thoroughly. Our goal is clear—deliver strong performances and bring joy to Ahly’s loyal fans,” he added.
The 2025 edition marks the first time the Club World Cup expands to a 32-team format, offering clubs from all confederations a broader stage to compete for global recognition.
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