Al Ahly SC, champions of the CAF Champions League in four of the last six editions, arrive at the Club World Cup as Africa's team to beat. The Egyptian side boast a strong core and are now led by Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, newly appointed to oversee their campaign.
Arguably the best African team of the past decade, Al Ahly come into the Club World Cup under little pressure, having earned their place by winning the CAF Champions League in three of the four editions that counted towards qualification — and six of the last eight continental tournaments.
Progressing from the group stage will be no easy feat, but they are eager to spring a surprise on the likes of Porto, Palmeiras, and Inter Miami in Group A.
This has not been Al Ahly's finest season in recent years. Their semi-final exit in the CAF Champions League at the hands of South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns — who also feature in this tournament — was a major disappointment.
However, they did manage to clinch the Egyptian league title, narrowly edging Pyramids FC, the very club that claimed the continental crown this time around, by just two points.
Several key figures make up the Al Ahly squad, but one man stands out above the rest — Emam Ashour. At 27 and in his second full season with the Cairo giants, Ashour has firmly established himself as the team's main attacking threat.
He has registered 19 goals and nine assists across all competitions this season, including 13 goals and five assists in the domestic league.
He is not alone in shaping Al Ahly's offensive play. Wessam Abou Ali is the team's second-highest scorer, while winger Taher Mohamed on the right flank is keen to make his mark under Riveiro's guidance.
Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy's composure and experience will be crucial during high-pressure moments.
Jose Riveiro has only just taken the reins at Al Ahly. Following the dismissal of Swiss coach Marcel Koller on 25 April after their AFC Champions League disappointment, the club turned to the Spanish tactician. The Club World Cup will mark his official debut in charge after his spell in South Africa.
At 49, this is Riveiro's third managerial role. A product of Celta Vigo's youth coaching system, he began his senior coaching career with FC Inter Turku in Finland before moving to Orlando Pirates in South Africa.
Now, with the Club World Cup looming, he faces his biggest challenge yet at the helm of Africa's most decorated club.
Matchday 1
Al Ahly kick off their Club World Cup journey against Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday 15 June. It will also serve as the tournament's opening match.
The two sides have never previously met. In fact, the only time the Egyptian champions have faced an American side was against Seattle Sounders in the last Club World Cup, now rebranded as the Intercontinental Cup.
Matchday 2
Just four days later, on Thursday 19 June, Al Ahly take on Palmeiras at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — which will also host the tournament's final.
Matchday 3
Al Ahly will round off their group stage campaign against their toughest opponents, FC Porto. That match will take place on Tuesday 24 June, again at the MetLife Stadium.