Al Ain FC FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Guide: Signings, fixtures and battle against European giants

Al Ain Football Club are the most decorated club in the UAE and remain a giant footballing institution. With 14 UAE Pro League titles in their trophy cabinet, they stand as the only Emirati side to win the Asian Champions League, which they've captured twice. Their AFC Champions League win in 2024 has earned them the honour of being the UAE's sole representative in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 taking place across the United States.

Any group that contains a team managed by Pep Guardiola, arguably the world's best manager, and Juventus, Italy's most decorated club, is bound to offer plenty of difficulties to any club from Asia.

Manchester City, Morocco's Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus have been drawn together to form Group G of this year's tournament. 

Al Ain FC has history with the Old Lady – they defeated Juventus 1-0 in a friendly encounter two decades ago. Yes, it was a friendly, but that's a piece of history to cherish. Juventus are also trying to improve steadily under Igor Tudor, and they are among the favourites along with City to progress from the group.

Al Ain secured their place in this tournament through their brilliant 2024 AFC Champions League triumph. Under the guidance of former Argentina striker Hernán Crespo, they overcame Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos in the final to claim the title for only the second time in their history.

Crespo took charge in November 2023, but despite leading the club to continental glory, things fell apart. Poor form throughout the following season led to his departure barely one year after his appointment. Leonardo Jardim came and had a brief stint, with Serbian Vladimir Ivić currently at the helm. Al Ain had three managers in the just-finished season.

Following their AFC Champions League success, Al Ain endured a disappointing campaign by their usual standards. The club couldn't secure a single victory in their AFC Champions League Elite group stage matches and finished fifth in the UAE Pro League – well below expectations.

Recognising the magnitude of the battle ahead, Al Ain made some key additions:

Rui Patrício: The 37-year-old Portuguese goalkeeper brings invaluable experience from his time at Wolves, Roma, and has made more than 100 international appearances.

Adis Jasic: A promising 22-year-old Austrian who is versatile, can play as a RB, RWB, RM or even as a DM.

Marcel Ratnik: They are hoping the young Slovenian centre-back offers defensive stability.

Nassim Chadli: The Moroccan winger, formerly of Wydad AC and Al Jazira, adds depth on the wings.

Soufiane Rahimi stands out as Al Ain's key player. The Moroccan forward, who previously played for Raja Casablanca – Wydad's fierce rivals – was instrumental in their AFC Champions League triumph, consistently delivering crucial goals when it mattered most.

Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba proved his worth despite the team's domestic struggles, claiming the UAE Pro League golden boot award. The Togolese striker's impressive tally of 20 goals in 21 league appearances demonstrates his clinical finishing ability. But can he do it against defenders like Ruben Dias and Bremer? That remains to be seen.

Kaku serves as their creator-in-chief. The Paraguayan playmaker topped the assists charts in the recently concluded UAE Pro League season, showcasing his vision and passing ability.

They also boasts talents like South Korean midfielder Park Yong-woo, Emirati attacking midfielder Mohammed Hassan Al Baloshi, and Argentine winger Mateo Sanabria.

Let's be honest, Al Ain are clearly the underdogs in this group. However, when the Emirati club conquered Asia, they defeated Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal along the way.

Facing European heavyweights like Manchester City and Juventus is a different ball game altogether. Yet, we know that Al Ain won't bow down without a fight.

The match that will capture the most attention across the UAE is undoubtedly their clash with Manchester City at 5.00am UAE time on June 23. While progression from this group appears unlikely on paper, football's essence lies in unpredictability, and you have to keep believing no matter what.

Will Al Ain's experience and fighting spirit be enough to compete with Europe's elite? We'll find out this summer when the UAE's most decorated club takes their talents to US.

June 19: Al Ain vs Juventus. Venue: Audi Field, Washington. Kick-off: 5.00am UAE time

June 23: Man City vs Al Ain. Venue:Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta. Kick-off: 5.00am UAE time

June 27: Wydad AC vs Al Ain. Venue: Audi Field, Washington. Kick-off: 11.00pm UAE time

— From code to kick-off: Gulf News’ Mohammed Shamsheer spends his weekdays in DevOps and weekends watching football — a proud Chelsea supporter through and through.