Club World Cup: Palmeiras beat Al Ahly 2–0 to top group A after match halted for 48 minutes

Palmeiras defeated Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup after play was suspended for approximately 40 minutes in the second half due to severe weather conditions. The Group A match, between Brazil’s Palmeiras and Egypt’s Al Ahly, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was halted in the 62nd minute because of nearby lightning and severe weather.

Palmeiras led 2–0 at the time. The first goal came in the 49th minute from an own goal by Al Ahly’s Wessam Abou Ali after a corner.

That was the first own-goal scored by any team in Group A.


In the 59th minute, substitute José Manuel López broke Al Ahly’s defence and added their second with a fast counter‑attack strike.

Referee Anthony Taylor immediately paused the game. He instructed players to leave the pitch and told spectators via stadium screens to take shelter in concourse areas for safety.

Play resumed at 2:15 p.m. EDT, about 48 minutes after the suspension. Palmeiras retained their two‑goal advantage and completed a 2–0 victory.

This win improves Palmeiras' standing in Group A to four points. They had previously drawn 0‑0 with Porto in their opening match. Al Ahly, tied on points after also drawing 0‑0 in their first game against Inter Miami, now finds its tournament progress more precarious.

Weather-related interruptions have not been uncommon in this Club World Cup. Earlier delays occurred in matches like Red Bull Salzburg vs Pachuca and Ulsan Hyundai vs Mamelodi Sundowns due to thunderstorms.

Group A's final fixtures start at 9:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, with Palmeiras facing Inter Miami in Florida and Al Ahly battling Porto in New Jersey.