Al Hilal will be aiming to get their first win in Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup when they face Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, who made a strong start with a 2-1 win over Pachuca. The sides will play at the Audi Field stadium in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 23:00 GMT.
The Austrian champions, who qualified via UEFA’s ranking pathway, face a formidable Saudi Pro League side looking to make a mark on the global stage. This opening win was marked by Israeli international, Oscar Gloukh, scoring a sublime curler from the edge of the box.
According to the latest football transfer news available at our football facts and stats, Gloukh is being touted with a move to Italian champions Napoli, with a host of English Premier League clubs also monitoring his situation. However, his price tag of €45M may be an obstacle for some to secure his signature.
Al Hilal opened their World Club Cup campaign with a respectable 1-1 draw against Spanish giants Real Madrid after a last-gasp penalty save from goalkeeper Bono.
Match Preview
RB Salzburg head into the match with confidence after dominating the Austrian Bundesliga and their opening game win. However, their 5-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid exposed vulnerabilities against top-tier opposition.
The Red Bulls have been prolific in attack, averaging over two goals per game in their domestic campaign, but their defence has struggled to keep clean sheets in high-stakes European matches.
Salzburg’s high-pressing style has yielded mixed results in Europe in their last six competitive outings. Their 2021/22 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 appearance remains their deepest run in the competition, and they’ll look to leverage their experience in this expanded Club World Cup format.
Al Hilal, the sole Saudi representative, qualified through their continental success and have bolstered their squad with high-profile signings like Rúben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Kalidou Koulibaly. Despite failing to defend their Saudi Pro League crown, finishing second behind Al Ittihad, they led the league with 95 goals in 34 matches, averaging nearly three goals per game.
Under new coach Simone Inzaghi, who recently replaced Jorge Jesus, Al Hilal are adapting to a more possession-based approach. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with a 3-1 loss to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League highlighting defensive frailties.
The two sides have never met competitively, making this a fresh tactical battle. Salzburg’s youthful energy and pressing could test Al Hilal’s experienced backline, but the Saudi side’s attacking firepower poses a significant threat.
Salzburg’s home form at the Red Bull Arena is strong, but this neutral venue may level the playing field. Al Hilal, meanwhile, thrived on the road in recent league matches, as they are unbeaten in seven away games, recording four wins and three draws.
RB Salzburg FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Pachuca: 1-2 (W) 18/06/2025
RB Salzburg form (all competitions):
• W (H) 4-2 against Rapid Vienna (Bundesliga) 24/05/25
• W (A) 2-1 against Blau Weiss Linz (Bundesliga) 18/05/25
• L (A) 4-2 against Sturm Graz (Bundesliga) 09/05/25
• W (H) 2-0 against Austria Vienna (Bundesliga) 04/05/25
• L (A) 2-1 against Wolfsberger AC (Bundesliga) 27/04/25
Al Hilal FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Real Madrid: 1-1 (D) 18/06/2025
Al Hilal form (all competitions):
• W (H) 2-0 against Al-Qadsiah (Saudi Pro League) 26/05/25
• D (A) 1-1 against Al-Wehda (Saudi Pro League) 21/05/25
• W (A) 4-3 against Al-Fateh (Saudi Pro League) 16/05/25
• W (H) 4-0 against Al-Orobah (Saudi Pro League) 12/05/25
• W (A) 5-3 against Al-Raed (Saudi Pro League) 07/05/25
Team News
RB Salzburg:
Thomas Letsch is likely to field a dynamic lineup, with young star Petar Ratkov, in the absence of the injured Karim Konaté, likely to lead the attack. Midfielders Oscar Gloukh and Mads Bidstrup could be key in controlling the tempo, while Jacob Rasmussen may anchor the defence alongside Joane Gadou. Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager is expected to miss out through injury, with youngster Christian Zawieschitzky continuing in goal.
Possible injuries or absences remain unconfirmed, but Salzburg’s squad depth allows flexibility in their 4-2-3-1 setup.
Al Hilal:
Simone Inzaghi may rely on Aleksandar Mitrović, although he is an injury doubt, as the focal point up top, supported by Sergej Milinković-Savić’s creativity in midfield. Rúben Neves and João Cancelo are expected to start, with Kalidou Koulibaly and Hassan Tambakti forming a robust centre-back pairing. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, a standout in the Saudi Pro League, will be crucial.
Al Hilal possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Tambakti, Lodi; Neves, Al Dawsari; Malcolm, Milinković-Savić, Al-Dawsari; Mitrović
We say: RB Salzburg 1-2 Al Hilal
Salzburg’s high-energy approach could trouble Al Hilal early, but the Saudi side’s experience and clinical finishing, led by Mitrović (if fit), may prove decisive. Inzaghi’s tactical nous should help Al Hilal exploit Salzburg’s defensive lapses, securing a narrow victory in this Group H clash.
