Al-Hilal are still chasing their first-ever win over European opposition, heading into their fourth attempt this Sunday. After holding Real Madrid to a dramatic 1-1 draw, the Saudi giants now face RB Salzburg, in what will be the first-ever meeting between clubs from Saudi Arabia and Austria in competitive action.
RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal preview
After both made positive starts to their respective Club World Cup campaigns on Wednesday, will there be a winner at Audi Field? Al-Hilal fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Real Madrid in Miami. It was a tale of two penalties in South Florida, with Rúben Neves converting a spot-kick on the cusp of half time, before Yassine Bounou denied Fede Valverde from 12 yards right at the death, thereby preserving the point. In truth, Simone Inzaghi's side were the better team for long periods at Hard Rock Stadium, underlining that the Saudi side can compete with the world's very best.
Many were tipping Al-Hilal to make a deep run at this competition, having reached the Club World Cup Final in February 2023, possibly upsetting a few European heavyweights along the way. So, will the Blue Waves claim a precious three points in Washington DC?
Meantime, after one round of fixtures, it's Red Bull Salzburg who are currently top of Group H, something few would've forecast when the draw was made. That's because Thomas Letsch's team made a winning start to their campaign on Wednesday night, beating Pachuca 2-1 in Cincinnati, thanks to goals from Oscar Gloukh and then Karim Onisiwo either-side of a long weather delay.
Having finished second in the Austrian Bundesliga in back-to-back seasons, die Roten Bullen were not expected to do very well this summer. In fact, next season will start in just 30 days for RB Salzburg, facing Brann in Bergen in the Champions League second qualifying round. At this tournament, with Real Madrid expected to advance, these two are in direct competition for a place in the round of 16. So, will there be a winner in this decisive clash at Audi Field?
RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
RB Salzburg team news
With first-choice goalkeeper Alexander Schlager sidelined, 18 year old Christian Zawieschitzky made his senior debut against Pachuca, set to be donning the gloves here too.
Midfielders Takumu Kawamura and Nicolás Capaldo are amongst those also sidelined, while Soumaila Diabate could come in as captain Mads Bidstrup's partner, displacing Valentin Sulzbacher.
RB Salzburg predicted lineup vs Al-Hilal: (4-3-3): Zawieschitzky; Lainer, Rasmussen, Gadou, Krätzig; Bidstrup, Diabate, Nene, Gloukh; Baidoo, Ratkov.
RB Salzburg player to watch vs Al-Hilal
Dorgeles Nene has been RB Salzburg's main man for goals this season, netting 15 times accross all competitions, so will he fire them to victory in Washington DC?
Al-Hilal team news
Aleksandar Mitrović sat out the clash with Real Madrid due to a muscle injury, which is obviously a massive blow, considering he has scored 68 goals in 79 appearances for the club.
The Serbian is still a doubt for this one, so Marcos Leonardo is once again set to lead the line. Just three Saudi players feature in this lineup, but one is star midfielder Salem Al-Dawsari, who captains both the national team and the club he's represented for almost a decade and a half.
Al-Hilal predicted lineup vs RB Salzburg: (5-3-2): Bounou; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Al-Tombakti, Lodi; Neves, Milinković-Savić, S Al-Dawsari; Malcom, N Al-Dawsari, Leonardo.
Al-Hilal player to watch vs RB Salzburg
Rúben Neves ran the show against Real Madrid, converting the spot-kick that earned a share of the spoils, and he'll be key to Al-Hilal's success here too.
RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal prediction
This clash in Capital City should guarantee goals, but we give the edge to Al-Hilal, expecting the Blue Wave to prevail, thereby leapfrogging RB Salzburg in the Group H table: RB Salzburg 1-3 Al-Hilal.
RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal 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 RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal 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 RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup?
RB Salzburg vs Al-Hilal takes place on Sunday 22 June 2025, with kick off at 23:00 (BST), 18:00 (EDT) & 15:00 (PDT).