Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Four-time Asian champions Al Hilal are gearing up for another high-stakes clash against Spain's Real Madrid, this time in the group stage of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

The Saudi giants were drawn into Group H alongside Real Madrid, Pachuca of Mexico, and Austria’s FC Salzburg during Thursday's draw in Miami.

The tournament, featuring 32 teams, will take place across the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025.

The format mirrors that of the FIFA World Cup between 1998 and 2022, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.

Al Hilal's draw against Real Madrid brings back memories of their dramatic 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final in Morocco.

In that encounter, Al Hilal showcased remarkable resilience but ultimately fell 5-3 to the European champions, marking the closest any Asian team has come to dethroning the Spanish powerhouse in the tournament's history. Goals from Moussa Marega and Luciano Vietto kept Al Hilal in the contest, but Real Madrid's lethal attack proved insurmountable.

As Al Hilal sets its sights on a new chapter in their rivalry with Real Madrid, they will also be aware of the other challenges in Group H. Mexican side Pachuca and Austrian club FC Salzburg both bring rich traditions and strong squads, promising fierce competition for the knockout spots.

While Al Hilal eyes Group H, their fellow Asian clubs face challenging paths in the tournament. Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, three-time Asian champions, find themselves in Group E alongside Argentina’s River Plate, Mexico’s Monterrey, and Italy’s Inter Milan. The Japanese side will make their fourth appearance in the competition, aiming to build on their storied history.

UAE's Al Ain FC, fresh off their 2023/24 AFC Champions League triumph, will compete in Group G with England’s Manchester City, Morocco’s Wydad AC, and Italy’s Juventus. The Emirati club, runners-up in the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup, hopes to repeat its deep run on the global stage.

Korea Republic's Ulsan Hyundai, drawn in Group F, will face Brazil’s Fluminense FC, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. Ulsan, two-time Asian champions, are making their third appearance at the tournament.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be held in 12 venues across the United States. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will host the opening match, while the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey/New York will stage the final.

The expanded format promises to bring even greater excitement, as the best clubs from every continent vie for global supremacy.

For Al Hilal, the tournament represents an opportunity to reinforce their standing as Asia’s premier football club and make history on the global stage. With a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, the Saudi giants are poised to challenge football’s elite.