Porto crashes out without a win

Porto concluded its Club World Cup journey with a wild 4–4 tie against Al Ahly of Egypt, a result that sealed the elimination of both clubs. For Martín Anselmi, who arrived in January with high expectations, the draw marks a major failure after not securing a single win in a group that also included Palmeiras and Inter Miami.

“We didn’t come here just to participate… We’re disappointed with the final result,” said Anselmi post-match. The Argentine coach, formerly of Cruz Azul, didn’t address questions about his job security but admitted the club needs a “real reset.”

The final standings in Group A were: Palmeiras (5 points), Inter Miami (5), Porto (2), and Al Ahly (2). Despite scoring four goals, Porto failed to hold leads and was outplayed for stretches by the Egyptian side.

Disappointing season sparks criticism

Porto’s performance at the Club World Cup adds to a long list of unmet goals this season. Under Anselmi, the team finished third in the Portuguese league, well behind Sporting CP and Benfica, and was also knocked out of the Europa League by Roma.

Asked by a DAZN Portugal reporter if his future at the club is in doubt, Anselmi cut the topic short: “Now’s not the time to talk about that.” Later, he admitted, “If we’re out, it means we didn’t do things right. In tournaments like this, you have to win to advance—and we didn’t.”

Since joining in January, Anselmi has coached Porto in 21 matches, with 10 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses. But the failure to achieve any of the club’s primary objectives—domestic league, Europe, or the Club World Cup—has put the 38-year-old under intense pressure. With no wins and a group-stage exit on the international stage, his future in Portugal is now uncertain.