Al Hilal Reach Club World Cup Last 16 as Asia’s Only Survivor – Set for Manchester City Showdown
Al Ain bow out with historic first win as Ulsan and Urawa suffer group stage exits
Al Hilal have emerged as Asia’s sole representatives in the Round of 16 at the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, securing second place in Group H with a 2-0 win over Mexico’s Pachuca in Nashville on Thursday (KST).
The Saudi giants, under the guidance of Italian tactician Simone Inzaghi, delivered a composed and clinical performance at Geodis Park. A delightful first-half lob from captain Salem Al-Dawsari broke the deadlock before Marcos Leonardo wrapped up the victory deep into stoppage time.
Having already held European champions Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw in their opening match and followed up with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Red Bull Salzburg, Al Hilal entered the final group match needing a win to progress. Their tally of five points was enough to see them leapfrog Salzburg, who fell 3-0 to Madrid in Philadelphia, into second place. Real topped the group with seven points, while Salzburg (4 pts) and Pachuca (0 pts) exited the tournament.
The revamped Club World Cup now features 32 teams split into eight groups, with the top two from each progressing to the knockout stages. Al Hilal’s reward for their consistency is a heavyweight clash against Manchester City, who topped Group G after dismantling Juventus 5-2.
Inzaghi deployed a star-studded starting XI in a 4-2-3-1 setup, featuring a wealth of European experience: João Cancelo and Kalidou Koulibaly at the back, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić in midfield, and Marcos Leonardo spearheading the attack. Morocco's World Cup hero Yassine Bounou started between the posts. Salem Al-Dawsari, recently linked with a move abroad, was once again the catalyst in attack.
Al Hilal’s breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Nasser Al-Dawsari intercepted a pass near halfway and lofted a ball into the box. Salem Al-Dawsari latched on and, spotting the Pachuca keeper off his line, chipped a delicate finish into the net to give the Saudis the lead.
Pachuca, who lined up with veteran Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón and former Chelsea winger Kenedy in a 3-4-3, pushed for an equaliser but were repeatedly denied. Inzaghi responded with timely substitutions—introducing Mohammed Kanno and Moteb Al-Harbi—to retain control.
The match was put beyond doubt in added time, when Leonardo fired home from close range to seal a professional 2-0 victory and with it, a place in the last 16. The result also ensured that Al Hilal were the only AFC club to reach the knockout rounds.
Elsewhere, South Korea’s Ulsan HD and Japan’s Urawa Reds both suffered group stage exits after failing to register a single point in their respective groups. It was a sobering campaign for East Asia’s giants.
However, there was a historic consolation for the region. Al Ain, the UAE club featuring former Korea Republic international Park Yong-woo, earned Asia’s first win of the tournament in their final Group G match, defeating Wydad Casablanca 2-1 in Washington D.C.
Although already eliminated after two losses, Al Ain salvaged pride with a spirited comeback. Trailing early, they equalised through Kojo Laba’s penalty just before half-time. Paraguayan international Kaku completed the turnaround five minutes into the second half, and Al Ain held firm thereafter to claim a symbolic victory.
Park Yong-woo, a stalwart in midfield, was instrumental in disrupting Wydad’s rhythm and setting the tempo for the Emirati side. It was a reminder of Asia’s growing quality, even in defeat.
Still, it is Al Hilal who carry the AFC banner forward. Their place in the last 16 not only secures a meeting with one of Europe’s elite but also preserves the continent’s presence in the latter stages of the world’s premier club competition.