Club World Cup Profile: Al Ain

Al Ain is representing Asia on the global stage in this year’s Club World Cup. They are the most successful club in the United Arab Emirates with 38 trophies to their name. Al Ain are competing in Group G of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup alongside Manchester City, Wydad AC, and Juventus FC. The Asian side opens their CWC campaign against Juventus on June 18th at Audi Field at 9:00 PM ET.

Club legend Rodrigo Mendes said after the draw, "This is a once in a lifetime chance and we need to enjoy. We come to the FIFA Club World Cup with the best that we have."

Route to Qualification:

Al Ain earned qualification for this year’s Club World Cup by becoming winners of the 2023/24 AFC Champions League after a 6-3 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in a two leg final. Being the 2023/24 AFC Champions League winners was a significant moment as it was the first time that they experienced continental success in 21 years.

Historical Facts:

1968: The club was founded.

2001-2004: Won three league titles in a row. In 2003, Al Ain won their first AFC Champions League title.

2018: Al Ain has had previous experience in the Club World Cup. They booked a ticket to the CWC Final against Real Madrid after beating the likes of Team Wellington, ES Tunis, and River Plate. However, they suffered a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the final.

Kodjo Laba leads the attack for Al Ain (photo courtesy of FIFA)

Most Important Player: Kodjo Laba

Kodjo Laba is currently Al Ain’s most important player. The 33 year old center forward from Togo has scored 21 goals in 30 all-competition appearances for Al Ain so far this season. Laba is a lethal finisher inside the box and has great aerial ability.

Potential Breakout Player: Matías Palacios

Matías Palacios is a potential breakout player for Al Ain to watch during the 2025 Club World Cup. The 23 year old Argentina international has 3 goals and 4 assists in 34 appearances for Al Ain this season.

Season Outlook:

Al Ain finished the UAE Pro League season in fifth place. It was a disappointing season compared to last season when the side finished in third place. They have not been champions of the league since the 2021/22. They had a 1-0 loss against Al Jazira in the quarterfinal of the UAE President’s Cup and they lost 4-2 in penalties to Al Jazira in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the UAE League Cup after both sides had a 3-3 aggregate score.