Pachuca will aim to make a strong start in Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup when they face RB Salzburg at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The Mexican side, coming off a dominant 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign, faces a Salzburg team that finished second in the Austrian Bundesliga and are considered one of the weaker European sides in the tournament.
Match Preview
Pachuca qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a sensational run in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, defeating Columbus Crew 3-0 in the final. However, their domestic form in Liga MX has been inconsistent, with only 14 wins in 43 competitive matches this season.
Despite this, Pachuca showed their international pedigree in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, beating Botafogo 3-0 and Al Ahly on penalties before losing 3-0 to Real Madrid in the final.
Los Tuzos have been potent in attack, scoring freely in their CONCACAF campaign, but their defence has been less reliable, keeping just three clean sheets in their last 16 outings in all competitions. Head coach Guillermo Almada will be keen to leverage Pachuca’s underdog status in a challenging Group H, which also includes heavyweights Real Madrid and Al Hilal.
RB Salzburg, meanwhile, secured their spot through consistent performances in European competitions but are seen as outsiders in this tournament, with just a 0.1% chance of winning according to Opta’s supercomputer. The Austrian side is known for its high-pressing, attacking style and a track record of developing young talent, with past stars like Erling Haaland and Sadio Mané. However, their recent form in the Austrian Bundesliga has been underwhelming, finishing second for two consecutive seasons.
Salzburg’s matches are often high-scoring, with their aggressive approach leaving gaps at the back. They’ve struggled to keep clean sheets in recent European outings, which could be a concern against Pachuca’s dynamic forwards. Head coach Thomas Letsch will look to exploit Pachuca’s defensive vulnerabilities while ensuring his side remains compact against counterattacks.
The two teams have never met in competitive action, but Pachuca’s experience against top opposition in the Intercontinental Cup and Salzburg’s European pedigree suggest a closely contested encounter. Posts on X indicate optimism for both sides, with some suggesting Pachuca could secure a draw or narrow victory based on their CONCACAF form.
Pachuca form (all competitions):
RB Salzburg form (all competitions):
Team News
Following the newest stats on football facts, Pachuca could field a strong attacking lineup led by Salomón Rondón, who has been a key figure in their CONCACAF success. Midfielders Pedro Pedraza and Alan Bautista may anchor the centre of midfield, with Moroccan international star Oussama Idrissi providing width and creativity.
For Salzburg, penalty-taking midfielder Nene, with 13 goals and 4 assists in season 2024/25, is a player to watch. The attacking quartet of Yorbe Vertessen, Petar Ratkov, Dorgeles Nene, and Oscar Gloukh could trouble Pachuca’s defence, while centre-backs Joane Gadou and Samson Baidoo are likely to start. Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager is an injury doubt, so youngster Christian Zawieschitzky could get a start in between the sticks.
Pachuca possible starting lineup:
Moreno; Rodríguez, Cabral, Barreto, Aceves; Pedraza, Bautista; Idrissi, González, Rodriguez; Rondón
RB Salzburg possible starting lineup:
Zawieschitzky; Dedić, Gadou, Baidoo, Terzic; Bidstrup, Kawamura; Vertessen, Gloukh, Nene; Ratkov
We say: Pachuca 2-2 RB Salzburg
Pachuca’s attacking prowess and experience in high-stakes matches make them a tough opponent, but Salzburg’s high-pressing style and youthful energy could exploit gaps in the Mexican side’s defence. Both teams have struggled defensively, suggesting a high-scoring draw is a likely outcome in this Group H opener.
