Thursday is the final day of the group stage at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. A thrilling tournament has taken place so far as Group G is already settle in terms of qualification for the knockout stage, and Group H sees Real Madrid trying to top their group to close out this phase of the tournament. Here is your look at all the action
Al-Hilal vs Pachuca
(Thursday in Nashville)
A result against Real Madrid would put Red Bull Salzburg in a credible position to advance from the group, but Al Hilal remains in a positive position to reach the knockout phase, they need to defeat an eliminated Pachuca side to do it. After getting the big result and drawing against RMA, Al Hilal suffered a letdown when they failed to defeat Salzburg on matchday 2. In brutal heat, Al Hilal came close to scoring and fired 19 shots, they were better in the first half until Salzburg stepped up in the second.
As for Pachuca, they have lacked the quality and depth to compete this tournament, they are not a bad team, but they are also not as good as the teams they have played thus far. Pachuca would love to play spoiler here, but Al Hilal should figure things out and secure three points. Prediction: Al Hilal 2 Pachuca 1
Real Madrid vs Red Bull Salzburg
(Thursday in Philadelphia)
Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler were on the first half scoresheet as Real Madrid shook off their first match draw against Al Hilal to comfortably defeat LIGA MX side Pachuca 3-1 on match day 2. Pachuca did get on the scoreboard late but they were a step behind Spain’s legendary royal club. Thibault Courtois was superb in goal for RM, as Pachuca took their chances but failed to convert much and Real Madrid was efficient when attacking, as they played most of the game with 10 men, Raul Asencio was sent off in just the 7th minute. Given what RMA did with 10 men against Pachuca, a Red Bull Salzburg side that did edge Pachuca, followed by a scoreless draw with Al-Hilal, is likely not going to be much of a challenge.
This Salzburg side lacks the top young talent they once had and they don’t have great finishers. This is a clear mismatch, anything is possible, but I don’t see Salzburg defending against Madrid for 90 minutes and coming away as victors, given that Real Madrid are at least technically facing elimination and need to win. Prediction: Real Madrid 3 Red Bull Salzburg 0
Juventus vs Manchester City
(Thursday in Orlando)
A rejuvenated Juventus under coach Igor Tudor has looked the part of a potential champion thus far. Kenan Yildiz was a big factor in their win over Wydad and they haven’t been defensively threatened through two games. After 6 goals against Al Ain, Manchester City are coming into form, Ilkay Gundogan scored twice, Rayan Cherki got on the scoresheet, as Pep Guardiola’s men annihilated their opponents, something you can’t say they did in the first game against Wydad. With Manchester City being the better team in Europe going into this tournament, you would still favor the Premier League side, but Juventus are a force to be reckoned with and are going to give them fits. With first place in the group to play for, there’s a benefit in trying to win this match, Manchester City should just edge it. Prediction: Manchester City 3 Juventus 2
Wydad AC vs Al Ain
(Thursday in Washington, D.C.)
With both teams eliminated, this is about pride, and the prize money awarded to the victor. Al Ain have been the worst professional team in this tournament by a comfortable margin. They haven’t scored, and conceded 5 against Juventus and 6 against Manchester City. It’s quite possible they will end this tournament without scoring, as the UAE side have really failed to have any positive moments this tournament. Wydad A.C. have scored once, but they lost 2-0 to Man City and 4-1 to Juventus, which is better, but not remarkably so. For all of the accomplishments of non UEFA teams this tournament, this is the group that has gone true to form. Wydad look like the more competitive side, so 3 points would at least be a consolation prize. Prediction: Wydad AC 2 Al Ain 0
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Copyright: xGrantxWinterx
