In a video shared by Ahly on the social media platform X, Infantino underscored the Egyptian club's significance, noting its record as the most decorated team in African football history, with 12 CAF Champions League titles.
"It's definitely a great honour for a team like Ahly to play in the opening match of their very first FIFA Club World Cup," Infantino said.
On 14 June, Ahly will face Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, in the opening match of the 32-team expanded format FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Ahly and Inter Miami play in Group A, which includes Portuguese side Porto and Brazilian club Palmeiras.
“We all know that Ahly is a historic club that won most trophies in African football, with millions and millions of fans – what fans? All over the world!” Infantino added.
The Egyptian giants have participated in the Club World Cup on nine previous occasions and has won four bronze medals.
Infantino stressed that Ahly’s participation in the new format is a major milestone for the club and African football.
“At this new Club World Cup, they’re entering history… The fact that Ahly play in this competition and open it will also enter into history,” he said.
The FIFA chief greeted all his friends in Egypt and Ahly fans.
“The passion, the fans, the people who really live for the club – who wrote the history of the club and rewrite their future – it’s so special, so unique,” Infantino said.
“Even neutral fans end up cheering for Ahly when they see that.”
The FIFA chief closed the message with a call to supporters: “Yalla Shabab, come here, enjoy, have fun, support your team. Enjoy the World Cup. It is a world stage… the very first. It will be fantastic.”
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