Al-Hilal have lost their one and only previous encounter with Mexican clubs, defeated on penalties by Monterrey in third-place play-off in 2019.
As for Pachuca, they'll face Saudi opposition for the first time, while their record against Asian clubs is mixed; Tuzos lost 1-0 to Gamba Ōsaka in 2008 and beat Al-Wahda on penalties two years later, before a thumping 4-1 victory over Al-Jazira in 2017.
Al-Hilal vs Pachuca preview
Can Al-Hilal reach the Club World Cup knockout stages? So far, Simone Inzaghi's side have collected two draws at this tournament, leaving their participation in the competition in the balance. First, the Blue Waves held Real Madrid to a very credible 1-1 draw in Miami, with Rúben Neves converting a spot-kick, before Yassine Bounou made a dramatic penalty save right at the death. Then, on Sunday, the Saudi side were held to a goalless draw by RB Salzburg, unable to convert any of their 19 shots.
As a result, Al-Hilal have two points on the board, leaving them two adrift both Real Madrid and RB Salzburg, who will meet in Philadelphia simultaneously. So, if Al-Hilal are victorious in Nashville and there is a winner in Pennsylvania, the Saudi side will progress at the loser's expense. If the two European sides draw 2-2 or more, they will both advance by virtue of head-to-head goals scored, and there will be noting the Blue Power can do about it. To summarise, the permutations could get complicated, but all Al-Hilal can do is take care of business and collect three points in Music City.
Well, that does appear the most-likely outcome, given what Pachuca have produced this summer so far. On Sunday, despite the fact Real Madrid were reduced to ten men after just seven minutes, Tuzos then found themselves 3-0 down against the Spanish giants in North Carolina, meaning Elías Montiel's late deflected strike was merely a consolation. Four days earlier, Jaime Lozano's side had also been beaten 2-1 by RB Salzburg, with Bryan González scoring a stunning free-kick equaliser, only for the Austrian side to snatch the points in Cincinnati a quarter of an hour from time.
This means the Liga MX side are now mathematically eliminated, which could be good news for their opponents. So, will Al-Hilal collect the three points they need at Geodis Park, thereby awaiting good news from elsewhere, setting up a glamour last 16 tie with either Manchester City or Juventus?
Al-Hilal vs Pachuca head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Al-Hilal team news
Simone Inzaghi has named an unchanged lineup for both Club World Cup games so far, with Marcos Leonardo continuing to lead the line in the absence of injured Aleksandar Mitrović.
Al-Hilal predicted lineup vs Pachuca: (4-3-3): Bounou; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Al-Tombakti, Lodi; Neves, Milinković-Savić, S Al-Dawsari; Malcom, N Al-Dawsari, Leonardo.
Al-Hilal player to watch vs Pachuca
Rúben Neves is the only Al-Hilal player to net at this tournament so far, converting a spot-kick in their opener against Real Madrid, so can he fire them into the round of 16 in Nashville?
Pachuca team news
Jaime Lozano made just one change ahead of the weekend's defeat, Alan Bautista displacing Alexéi Domínguez in midfield, with former Chelsea winger Kenedy expected to keep his place out-wide.
Pachuca predicted lineup vs Al-Hilal: (4-3-3): Moreno; Rodríguez, Bauermann, Pereira, González; Pedraza, Montiel, Palavecino, Domínguez, Kenedy; Rondón.
Pachuca player to watch vs Al-Hilal
Salomón Rondón is Tuzos' primary attacking threat, having scored 36 goals in 69 appearances for the club, including nine in seven as they won the CONCACAF Champions Cup a year ago. The Venezuelan was on target against Botafogo in last year's FIFA Intercontinental Cup against Botafogo, with this his last chance to open his Club World Cup account.
Al-Hilal vs Pachuca prediction
We're confidently backing Al-Hilal for victory in Music City, likely to be far too strong for an average Pachuca team, still needing a favour from elsewhere to progress: Al-Hilal 3-1 Pachuca.
Al-Hilal vs Pachuca FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Al-Hilal vs Pachuca FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Al-Hilal vs Pachuca FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Al-Hilal vs Pachuca FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Al-Hilal vs Pachuca FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Al-Hilal vs Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Al-Hilal vs Pachuca takes place on Thursday 26 June 2025, with kick off at 2:00am (BST), 21:00 (EDT) & 18:00 (PDT).