Porto vs Al Ahly: 4-4 Draw, Rivalries and Club World Cup Exit

A 4-4 draw in the FIFA Club World Cup left fans breathless as FC Porto and Al Ahly played out an eight-goal thriller at MetLife Stadium on June 23, 2025, yet both teams walked away eliminated. Here’s what happened, why it mattered, and what each club’s broader story tells us about their place in world football.

Match Result: 4-4 draw ·
Date: June 23, 2025 ·
Tournament: FIFA Club World Cup ·
Man of the Match: Wessam Abou Ali (Al Ahly) ·
Equalizer: Pepê (89th minute) ·
Stage: Group stage

Six key facts cover the essentials of this unforgettable group‑stage clash.

Is Ahly out of the Club World Cup?

Yes, Al Ahly did not advance to the knockout stages after the 4‑4 draw with Porto. Both sides finished the group with two points and were eliminated (ESPN).

When did Al Ahly exit?

The Egyptian club’s final match of the tournament was on June 23, 2025. The draw rendered their group‑stage campaign over.

What was their final match?

Al Ahly’s last game was the eight‑goal thriller against Porto at MetLife Stadium. Despite a hat‑trick from Wessam Abou Ali, the 4‑4 scoreline was not enough to keep them alive.

Al Ahly’s elimination means they will now shift focus to domestic and continental campaigns.

Who is the man of the match today Al Ahly vs Porto?

Wessam Abou Ali was named Man of the Match for his stellar performance (ESPN).

What was Wessam Abou Ali’s performance?

He scored a hat‑trick, including a penalty in first‑half stoppage time (45+2′). Al Ahly’s goals came from Abou Ali (15′, 45+2′, 51′) and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (64′).

How did he earn the award?

His three goals kept Al Ahly in the match and forced Porto to fight back repeatedly, earning him the official Man of the Match award from FIFA.

Abou Ali’s performance cemented his status as a top forward on the world stage.

Why does Porto qualify for the Club World Cup?

Porto earned their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup through UEFA’s club‑competition ranking system, as the winner of the UEFA Champions League in the previous cycle or as Portuguese champions (FIFA). They entered the group stage as one of four UEFA representatives.

What is the qualification pathway for European teams?

UEFA’s four slots are awarded to the winners of the previous three Champions League seasons and the top ranked league champion. Porto reportedly secured the spot by winning the 2024 UEFA Champions League (FIFA).

How did Porto secure their spot?

The Portuguese side’s qualification was confirmed after their Champions League triumph, making them automatic qualifiers for the 2025 Club World Cup.

Who is Porto’s biggest rival?

Porto’s biggest rival is Benfica, a rivalry known as O Clássico. The two clubs have contested some of the most intense matches in Portuguese football history.

What is the history of the rivalry?

The rivalry dates back to the early 20th century, with both clubs vying for domestic dominance. Matches between Porto and Benfica are often charged with emotion and high stakes.

What are the key matches?

Notable encounters include the 1984 European Cup Winners’ Cup final and numerous Primeira Liga title deciders. The rivalry remains the fiercest in Portugal.

Who is Al Ahly’s biggest rival?

Al Ahly’s biggest rival is Zamalek, with their meetings forming the Cairo derby – one of Africa’s most passionate fixtures.

What is the Cairo derby?

The Cairo derby pits the two most successful clubs in Egyptian football against each other. Matches are played in front of massive crowds and often decide league titles.

How does it compare to other rivalries?

Much like Porto vs Benfica, the Cairo derby has deep historical roots and carries immense national pride. It is regularly listed among the world’s top ten derbies.

Two clubs, two historic rivals – one pattern: both Porto and Al Ahly define their domestic leagues through these enduring clashes.

The catch: both clubs boast storied rivalries, yet neither could turn their domestic pedigree into group‑stage advancement.

Timeline: Key moments from Porto vs Al Ahly

Three decisive intervals shaped the match.

• 45+2′ – Wessam Abou Ali converts a penalty to put Al Ahly 2‑1 ahead (ESPN).
• 89′ – Pepê scores the equalizer for Porto, making it 4‑4 (FIFA).
• Full time – The match ends 4‑4; both teams are eliminated from the Club World Cup (FIFA).

The draw ultimately cost both teams a place in the knockout stage.

“An absolute eight‑goal thriller that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.”

— FIFA, world football governing body

“What a game! Both teams gave everything.”

— Reddit match thread user

For FC Porto, the draw means they return to Portugal without silverware from this international campaign, forced to refocus on domestic competitions. For Al Ahly, the 4‑4 result is a reminder that African giants can go toe‑to‑toe with European powerhouses. The choice for both clubs now is simple: learn from the eight‑goal chaos, or let it define their season.

A detailed match report provides the full goal timeline, key stats, and tactical analysis of the thrilling encounter.

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