2025 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Al-Hilal vs. Pachuca

Match Context & Stakes

Al-Hilal enter this final group-stage match with 2 points after back-to-back draws against Real Madrid (1–1) and Red Bull Salzburg (0–0). A win is essential for the Saudi Pro League giants to advance to the Round of 16. A draw or loss would eliminate them. Pachuca, on the other hand, have already been mathematically eliminated after consecutive defeats to Salzburg (1–2) and Real Madrid (1–3). However, the Liga MX side will be eager to finish their campaign on a high and potentially spoil Al-Hilal’s hopes.

Al-Hilal – Team Preview

Group Stage Results

1–1 vs Real Madrid

0–0 vs Red Bull Salzburg

Key Players

Rúben Neves: Scored Al-Hilal’s only goal of the tournament (penalty vs Madrid)

Marcos Leonardo: Leading the line in Mitrović’s absence; still searching for his first goal

Sergej Milinković-Savić: Creative force in midfield

Yassine Bounou (GK): Among the top shot-stoppers in the tournament

Tactical Notes

Formation: 4-2-3-1 under Simone Inzaghi

Strengths: Defensive solidity, midfield control, set-piece threat

Weaknesses: Lack of cutting edge in the final third (1 goal in 2 matches)

🇲🇽 Pachuca – Team Preview

Group Stage Results

1–2 vs Red Bull Salzburg

1–3 vs Real Madrid

Key Players

Salomón Rondón: Veteran striker and top scorer in Liga MX; needs service

Erick Montiel: 19-year-old midfield engine with creativity

Kenedy: Brazilian winger with pace and flair

Carlos Moreno (GK): Will need to be sharp against Al-Hilal’s wide threats

Tactical Notes

Formation: 4-3-3 under Jaime Lozano

Strengths: Midfield energy, wide play

Weaknesses: Defensive fragility (5 goals conceded), poor conversion rate (2 goals from 42 shots)

Head-to-Head & Stats

Stat	Al-Hilal	Pachuca
Group H Points	2	0
Goals Scored	1	2
Goals Conceded	1	5
Last 5 Matches (All Comps)	3W–2D–0L	1W–1D–3L
First-Ever Meeting	✅	✅

Al-Hilal are unbeaten in their last 7 matches, while Pachuca are winless in 5 of their last 6.

Expect Al-Hilal to dominate possession and create more chances, with Milinković-Savić and Malcom pulling the strings. Pachuca may find the net through a counterattack, but the Saudi side’s urgency and quality should see them through.

MATCH ODDS

Al-Hilal – 155                      Draw + 320                         Pachuca + 400

Over 3.5 + 135                  Under 3.5 – 170

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 25, 2025