As the FIFA Club World Cup approaches, excitement is building around the participating teams, particularly Al Ain. This club, steeped in history, is the most successful football team in the United Arab Emirates. Our guide to Al Ain will cover how they qualified for this prestigious tournament, their historical context, their recent performances, coaching staff, star players, and give an outlook for their expected performance in the tournament.
How Did Al Ain Qualify for the Club World Cup?
Al Ain earned their place at the FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, marking yet another milestone in their remarkable journey. The Abu Dhabi side showcased resilience and skill, overcoming a first-leg deficit in the finals against Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos. Over the two-legged tie, Al Ain secured a thrilling 6-3 aggregate victory, claiming their second continental crown and solidifying their position on the Asian stage.
History at the Club World Cup
Despite having participated once before in the Club World Cup, that experience was nothing short of historic for Al Ain. Hosting the tournament, the team embarked on an extraordinary run. They started off by fighting back from a three-goal deficit to defeat New Zealand’s Team Wellington on penalties in the first round. This dramatic victory was followed by an impressive win against Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis.
Al Ain’s crowning glory came when they faced Argentine giants River Plate in the semi-finals. Again, the match went to penalties after a nail-biting 2-2 draw, and Al Ain triumphed, becoming the only UAE club to reach the final. Unfortunately, they faced a formidable opponent in Real Madrid, where they ultimately fell 4-1, yet this journey remains monumental in UAE football history.
Al Ain’s Recent Performance in the 2024/25 Season
Transitioning to the present, Al Ain has encountered a challenging 2024/25 season. Their domestic and international performance has not lived up to the expectations of their loyal fan base. In a disappointing turn of events, their title defense in the Champions League ended in disappointment, with the club failing to secure a single victory in eight matches. Additionally, their early exit from the UAE League Cup and a fourth-place finish in the league stand in stark contrast to their historic achievements, leaving fans yearning for a return to glory.
Al Ain’s Coaching Staff
The pressure is palpable as the club navigates this tumultuous season under the leadership of coach Vladimir Ivić. He took the helm in February amidst significant upheaval, following two managerial changes in quick succession. His predecessor, Leonaro Jardim, lasted only two months after taking over from Argentine legend Hernán Crespo, the architect behind Al Ain’s Champions League win. So far, Ivić has managed to win only five of his twelve matches in charge—a statistic that highlights the ongoing struggles within the team.
The Star Player: Soufiane Rahimi
When discussing key players, Soufiane Rahimi stands out as Al Ain’s brightest star. Since making his move from Moroccan side Raja Casablanca in 2021, Rahimi has netted 60 goals in 130 appearances for the club. His contributions have been invaluable, particularly during their successful Champions League campaign, where he secured both the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards. His standout performances included a hat-trick in the semi-final against Al Hilal and pivotal goals during the final against Yokohama, reiterating his significance to the team’s success.
Expected Performance at the Club World Cup
As Al Ain prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup, they find themselves in Group G alongside formidable opponents like Manchester City, Juventus, and Wydad AC. The competition will be fierce, and given the strength of their competitors, an exit before the knockout stages appears likely. However, any achievement beyond that would be considered a significant success, especially in light of their recent struggles.
In conclusion, Al Ain’s journey to the FIFA Club World Cup is a testament to their resilience and historical significance in UAE football. With a rich heritage, a passionate fan base, and a dynamic squad, they aim to make a lasting impression in this year’s tournament despite recent challenges. The path ahead may be tumultuous, but Al Ain’s presence on the international stage undoubtedly represents hope and potential for the future of Emirati football.
