These two have met twice at recent editions of the Club World Cup. Al Ahly prevailed on penalties, following a goalless draw, in a third-place play-off in Qatar in February 2021, before Palmeiras were 2-0 winners when the duo clashed in the semi-finals in Abu Dhabi 12 months later.
Palmeiras vs Al Ahly preview
Will East Rutherford witness Group A's first goal of this summer's Club World Cup? In the tournament opener on Saturday night, Al Ahly held Inter Miami to a goalless draw at Hard Rock Stadium, with both goalkeepers responsible for this stalemate; Mohamed El Shenawy the star of the show for the Egyptian champions. As 12-times CAF Champions League winners, Al Ahly are Club World Cup regulars, with this their tenth participation in the tournament.
Under the old format, the Red Devils reached six semi-finals, doing so at four straight editions between 2020 and 2023, but just reaching the round of 16 this time, given the revamped nature of the competition, would be a major success. José Riveiro's side will also face Porto at MetLife Stadium on Monday so, with that tough test to come, Al Ahly may feel this clash is must win.
As for Palmeiras, they too were involved in a goalless draw on matchday one, with neither themselves nor Porto able to find the breakthrough on Sunday night. The Verdão were Club World Cup runners-up in 2021, defeated 2-1 by Chelsea after extra time in Abu Dhabi, and Abel Ferreira's side are expected to make a deep run stateside this summer, at the very least get out of this group.
Having suffered back-to-back Brasileirão defeats ahead of this competition, the Alviverde are under pressure to perform but, following their point on opening night, a win here would all but book their place in the knockout stages. So, who will win this key Thursday afternoon clash in New Jersey?
Palmeiras vs Al Ahly head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Palmeiras Wins: 1. Draws: 1. Al Ahly Wins: 0.
Palmeiras team news
Felipe Anderson started as a right-wing-back on Sunday, something that will shock any watching West Ham supporters, but this is likely to continue to be the case, chosen over Paulinho. Meantime, in attack, Vitor Roque got the nod against Porto, so will he lead the line again over José Manuel López?
Captain Gustavo Gómez and the aforementioned Anderson are a booking away from a ban.
Palmeiras predicted lineup vs Al Ahly: (3-4-2-1): Weverton; Giey, Gómez, Murilo; Anderson, Moreno, Ríos, Piquerez; Mauricio, Estêvão, Vitor Roque.
Palmeiras player to watch vs Al Ahly
Estêvão Willian, who is heading to Chelsea after this tournament, will continue to be Palmeiras' main attacking threat, having netted 11 times in 2025 so far.
Al Ahly team news
Al Ahly's star attacker Emam Ashour departed the opening game in tears, substituted after a mere 14 minutes due to a broken collarbone, meaning he will sit out the remainder of the tournament.
This is a massive blow, so Zizo, who has controversially just joined from fierce rivals Zamalek, will come into the attack, alongside new signing Trézéguet, who saw a tame spot-kick saved against Inter Mimai. Midfielder Marwan Attia would sit out Monday's meeting with Porto if cautioned.
Al Ahly predicted lineup vs Palmeiras: (4-3-3): El-Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Dari, Nabil Koka; Romdhane, Attia, Fathy; Zizo, Trézéguet, Abou Ali.
Al Ahly player to watch vs Palmeiras
In the absence of Ashour, Palestine international Wessam Abou Ali will be Al Ahly main man for goals, having scored 16 this season, including netting against Al-Ain during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Palmeiras vs Al Ahly prediction
We are backing Palmeiras for victory in East Rutherford. The Verdão are likely to be the stronger side, and we cannot see Al Ahly doing much damage without star forward Ashour: Palmeiras 2-1 Al Ahly.
Palmeiras vs Al Ahly FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Palmeiras vs Al Ahly FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Palmeiras vs Al Ahly FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Palmeiras vs Al Ahly FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Palmeiras vs Al Ahly FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Palmeiras vs Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Palmeiras vs Al Ahly takes place on Thursday 19 June 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).