Al-Hilal secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Pachuca on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee. This win marked Al-Hilal's first of the tournament and was enough to secure them the runner-up spot in Group H, behind Real Madrid.
Salem Al-Dawsari, a standout player for Al-Hilal, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a remarkable goal. After receiving a pass from Nasser Al-Dawsari, Salem skillfully lifted the ball over the Pachuca goalkeeper, Sebastian Jurado, showcasing his composure and technique. Marcos Leonardo sealed the victory with a second goal in stoppage time.
Al-Hilal's triumph sets up a highly anticipated last-16 clash against English club Manchester City in Orlando, Florida, on Monday, July 1. The Saudi Arabian team enters the match as the only non-European or American team to progress from the group stage.
Despite Pachuca's elimination prior to the match, they proved to be lively opponents. However, Al-Hilal's defense, led by Kalidou Koulibaly, effectively contained Pachuca's key attacker, Salomon Rondon, limiting the Mexican side to long-range attempts and half-chances.
Al-Hilal's journey in the Club World Cup reflects the growing prominence of Saudi Arabian football on the global stage. Their participation in this tournament marks a significant milestone, building upon their previous appearances and achievements, including finishing as runner-up in the 2022 edition. The team's success highlights the investment and development in Saudi football, with Al-Hilal embodying the aspirations of the nation to compete among the world's best.
Ruben Neves, the Al-Hilal midfielder, acknowledged the difficulty of the match against Pachuca, stating, "It was a hard game but I think we did a great game. We scored first off, we had control and we defended very well. A clean sheet and a win and we are through. That's the most important thing." Neves also emphasized the importance of preparing for the upcoming match against Manchester City, recognizing them as one of the top teams in the world.
Looking ahead, Al-Hilal's match against Manchester City promises to be a thrilling encounter. While Manchester City is favored, Al-Hilal's impressive record in the group stage, remaining unbeaten with draws against Real Madrid and RB Salzburg, demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest level. With a squad boasting both homegrown talent and international stars, Al-Hilal will aim to continue their impressive run and advance further in the Club World Cup.
