FIFA Club World Cup: Palmeiras defeats Al Ahly after fierce battle in New Jersey

A packed crowd at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey witnessed a hard fought game at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup but Al Ahly supporters left disappointed after their team fell to Palmeiras in Thursday’s 2-0 Group A victory for the Brazilian club.

59' GOAL! A killer counter from @Palmeiras and Flaco Lopez is there to make it 2-0! 🔥

Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #SEPAHL pic.twitter.com/subzDeRaxz

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025

Halftime substitute Flaco López put Palmeiras beyond reach in the second half when the Argentine forward produced a perfect finish to complete a counter-attack following a free kick opportunity for Al Ahly.

Soon after López’s goal, an hour-long weather delay due to thunderstorms in the area halted the momentum of the match and Ahly struggled to mount a comeback effort when the teams returned to the pitch.

The first half was engaging and featured several rough tackles with plenty at stake. Palmeiras were fortunate to escape a red card after referee Anthony Taylor initially sent off Raphael Veiga for a high sliding challenge. However, a VAR review convinced Taylor to downgrade the booking to a red card.

After the teams went into halftime scoreless, Ahly were dealt a difficult blow less than five minutes into the second half when a free kick was sent into the Ahly penalty area by Palmeiras. Striker Wissam Abou Ali attempted to clear the ball but his flicked header looped over goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and into the gaol instead.

48' ⚽ GOAL! We have the first goal of Group A: Abou Ali with the unlucky header for an own goal and @Palmeiras lead! 💚

Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #SEPAHL pic.twitter.com/n7SLHp4eOU

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025

It was a tough blow for Ahly, who later on conceded from Palmeiras’ only shot on goal in the entire match when López finished off the counter-attack ten minutes later.

Now Ahly must win their final Group A match against FC Porto on Monday at the same venue to have any chance of advancing to the Round of 16. Palmeiras will face Inter Miami on the same day with a place in the knockout stages all but confirmed.