Club World Cup Group A predictions: Who will qualify? Will Lionel Messi be top scorer?

FIFA's latest brainchild is just around the corner, as 32 clubs finalise their preparations for the inaugural edition of the revamped Club World Cup, taking place across the pond in the United States.

Contrary to the previous mini-tournament - if you will - the expanded version is not just for the current continental champions, but those to have conquered their mainland over the previous few years and others with a high enough ranking.

Gianni Infantino's mission to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to the event ended in failure, but Lionel Messi will be up to his usual tricks in Group A, where his Inter Miami side square up to Porto, Palmeiras and Al Ahly.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at Group A in greater depth.

Club World Cup Group A standings

Club World Cup Group A fixtures

(all times BST)

Matchday 1

Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami (Sunday, June 15 | 1am)

Prediction: 1-1

Supporters across the globe will be hoping for an entertaining contest that sets the tone for what should be a thrilling inaugural group stage, with all the eyes on Messi and co as they endeavour to kick-start the tournament in style with a precious victory.

However, success is far from a given for the defensively frail Herons, who have conceded in each of their last 10 games and may end up frustrated by an experienced Al Ahly outfit, who will back themselves to claim at least a point from matchday one.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

Palmeiras vs. Porto (Sunday, June 15 | 11pm)

Prediction: 2-1

Palmeiras are treating this competition very seriously, while Porto are more focused on rebuilding for the challenges ahead.

Given a solid platform and some sparkling talent up front, the Brazilians should get off to a winning start and leave their Portuguese counterparts with ground to make up.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

Matchday 2

Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly (Thursday, June 19 | 5pm)

Inter Miami vs. Porto (Thursday, June 19 | 8pm)

Matchday 3

Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras (Tuesday, June 24 | 2am)

Porto vs. Al Ahly (Tuesday, June 24 | 2am)

Club World Cup Group A predictions - who will qualify?

Still adapting to life without long-serving head coach Sergio Conceicao, Porto could only finish third in the Primeira Liga last season, but the Portuguese giants have a settled squad and have our vote to take the gold medal.

Porto topping the section would likely lead to a fascinating shootout between Inter Miami and Palmeiras for a coveted second-placed ranking, and it would take a brave soul to confidently predict the outcome of that head-to-head.

While the MLS outfit have more star quality in their ranks, their early-season form in 2025 has been nothing to shout about, and Palmeiras can capitalise on their defensive deficiencies to take second place.

As such, Messi and co will have to settle for the consolation prize of a third-placed finish, while Egyptian Premier League Al Ahly are unlikely to translate their domestic dominance into international glory.

Final Group A standings prediction

Who will be the top scorer from Group A?

The heart says Messi. The heart will always say Messi. But Porto sensation Samu Aghehowa is more than fulfilling his potential in a blue and white kit since departing Atletico Madrid and can terrorise any defence that tries to quell him.

The Spain international ended the 2024-25 campaign with a stellar 25 goals from 42 matches across all competitions, and having only played 13 minutes for Spain in the UEFA Nations League finals, he will arrive in the USA on the back of a hard-earned rest.

Infantino's nightmare to come true as Messi and co crash out

Oh how FIFA would have dearly loved one final instalment of Messi vs. Ronaldo, but by the time the knockout stages begin, neither may be competing at the Club World Cup.

The former is still scoring for fun in MLS, but his teammates at the back have often let him down, and the individual magic of Messi and Luis Suarez may not suffice against the power of Porto and Palmeiras.

At a time where Infantino and co are seemingly struggling to drum up significant interest and ticket sales for the Club World Cup, Messi's Inter Miami failing to make the knockout rounds could prove to be his worst nightmare, one that he will not wake up from.

Written by
Ben Knapton