Al Hilal Football Club have written a new chapter in their storied history by reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup for the very first time. The Saudi Arabian powerhouse secured their place in the Round of 16 after a commanding 2-0 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca at Geodis Park on Thursday. This milestone achievement also marked the first win under the guidance of new head coach Simone Inzaghi.
Historic Qualification Secured in Group H
Placed in Group H alongside European champions Real Madrid, Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, and Mexican side Pachuca, Al Hilal were considered underdogs in a challenging group. However, their resilience and tactical discipline allowed them to emerge as group runners-up, finishing behind Real Madrid but ahead of both Salzburg and Pachuca.
Their campaign began with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Real Madrid, where Al Hilal impressed fans and analysts alike by holding one of the tournament favorites to a draw. In their second match, the Saudi side battled Austria’s Salzburg to a goalless stalemate, maintaining defensive solidity while struggling to find the finishing touch in attack.
It was in their final group stage encounter that Al Hilal truly came alive, defeating Pachuca 2-0 to collect the decisive three points. The result not only secured second place in the group but also ensured a historic progression to the Round of 16 — a first in the club’s Club World Cup history.
Simone Inzaghi’s Impact Already Felt
The match against Pachuca was not just a milestone for the club but also for head coach Simone Inzaghi, who registered his first win since taking charge on June 5, 2025. The former Inter Milan manager was brought in with the vision of elevating Al Hilal’s competitiveness on the international stage, and early signs suggest he’s on the right track.
Under Inzaghi, Al Hilal have adopted a more tactically flexible system, blending the attacking flair that has defined their domestic dominance with a structured defensive approach. His emphasis on balance and game management was evident throughout the group stage, particularly in the way the team contained high-caliber opponents like Real Madrid and Salzburg.
Key Performers Shine on the Big Stage
Several Al Hilal players delivered standout performances during the group stage. The match against Pachuca saw striker Odion Ighalo and midfield maestro Ruben Neves rise to the occasion. Ighalo opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish inside the box, while Neves doubled the lead with a spectacular long-range effort just after the hour mark.
In defense, Kalidou Koulibaly and Yassine Bounou anchored the backline with composure and leadership. Bounou, the Moroccan international goalkeeper, was particularly crucial in preserving the clean sheet against Salzburg and Pachuca.
Tactical Discipline and Defensive Solidity
One of the hallmarks of Al Hilal’s performance in the group stage was their exceptional defensive organization. Conceding only one goal in three matches against top-tier opposition is a testament to the team’s structure and preparation.
Simone Inzaghi has clearly emphasized the importance of minimizing errors and capitalizing on counter-attacks. Al Hilal often sat deep, absorbed pressure, and relied on rapid transitions to exploit spaces behind opposing defenses.
This shift in tactical focus is a departure from the more open, high-scoring style seen under previous coaches. The new approach may not be as flamboyant, but it has certainly proved effective on the world stage.
Looking Ahead: Knockout Challenge Awaits
With their place in the Round of 16 now secured, Al Hilal must prepare for even tougher opposition. The knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup are known for their intensity, and Inzaghi will need to draw on all his managerial experience to guide the team further.
Their next opponent will be revealed following the conclusion of the group stage fixtures, but regardless of who they face, Al Hilal will approach the match with renewed confidence and ambition. Having made history, the Saudi giants now have a genuine opportunity to push for an even deeper run in the tournament.