The Saudi side Al-Hilal is gearing up for a decisive encounter in the early hours of Friday, when they face Mexico’s Pachuca in the third and final round of Group 3 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, being held in the United States.
This match represents Al-Hilal’s last chance to reach the round of 16, in a group where no qualification spot has yet been decided—making the final matchday all the more crucial.
Group 3 standings before the final round
Real Madrid – 4 points
RB Salzburg – 4 points
Al-Hilal – 2 points
Pachuca – 0 points
Al-Hilal’s path to the next stage
They must beat Pachuca to move up to 5 points.
Even with a win, they still need RB Salzburg to drop points against Real Madrid (i.e. draw or lose).
Should Salzburg win, Al-Hilal’s hopes will be extinguished, regardless of their own result.
Arab representation on the line
Al-Hilal are the only Arab team still alive in this edition of the tournament, after the early exits of:
Al Ahly (Egypt)
Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)
Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)
Al Ain (UAE)
All Arab eyes will be on Al-Hilal as they try to keep the region’s hopes alive in the knockout stages.
Key matches on the final matchday
Juventus vs. Manchester City – 10:00 PM
Wydad vs. Al Ain – 10:00 PM
RB Salzburg vs. Real Madrid – 4:00 AM Friday
Al-Hilal vs. Pachuca – 4:00 AM Friday
Arab football fans will be fervently hoping that Al-Hilal can finish their group campaign strongly, secure qualification, and remain the sole Arab representative in the historic 2025 Club World Cup.
