The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continues with an exciting Group H clash between CF Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Both teams will be looking to secure a crucial victory in their opening match as they aim to advance to the knockout rounds.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT
Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Broadcast: DAZN (Live & Free)
Team Overview & Recent Form
CF Pachuca (Mexico – CONCACAF Champions Cup Winners)
Pachuca enters the FIFA Club World Cup after winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, defeating Columbus Crew 3-0 in the final. The Mexican side has a strong international pedigree, having reached the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, where they lost to Real Madrid. However, their domestic form has been inconsistent, finishing 16th in the Apertura and 8th in the Clausura before reaching the quarter-finals of the knockout stage. Their last match was a 1-1 draw against Al Ahly in a friendly.
Key Players to Watch
Salomón Rondón – Top scorer in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup with 9 goals.
Oussama Idrissi – Creative winger with strong dribbling ability.
Eduardo Bauermann – Defensive leader with aerial dominance.
Red Bull Salzburg (Austria – UEFA Qualification Pathway)
Salzburg qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup via the UEFA ranking system, having consistently competed in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the past six seasons. They finished 2nd in the Austrian Bundesliga, narrowly missing out on the title to Sturm Graz. Their recent form has been strong, winning three of their last four matches, including a 4-2 victory over Rapid Wien. However, injuries to key players could impact their performance.
Key Players to Watch
Oscar Gloukh – Young attacking midfielder with excellent vision.
Petar Ratkov – Striker with a strong finishing ability.
Alexander Schlager – Experienced goalkeeper, crucial for Salzburg’s defense.
Tactical Analysis & Key Matchups
Pachuca’s Attack vs. Salzburg’s Defense – Rondón’s physical presence will test Salzburg’s backline.
Midfield Battle – Idrissi and Gloukh will be key playmakers for their respective teams.
Set-Piece Threats – Both teams have strong aerial players capable of scoring from corners and free kicks.
MATCH ODDS
Pachuca + 180 Draw + 235 Salzburg + 155
Over 2.5 – 105 Under 2.5 – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 17, 2025
