The fervour for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup increases with each passing day, as fans hold their breath to see some of the biggest teams in the world of club football face off.
Here, we take a look at a non-European team who we believe have the capability to lift the trophy come July.
A vast majority of the footballing world took notice of this Saudi Pro League outfit after a certain Brazilian named Neymar decided to join them on some truly eye-watering wages in 2023.
But do not let the Neymar transfer fool you into thinking that Al-Hilal are not a big team. An Asian powerhouse with some 70 trophies to their name, they hold the distinction of being the continent’s most decorated outfit. They are also the Saudi top flight’s most successful club, having won the league a record 19 times.
Al-Hilal are perennial winners in AFC tournaments as well, having won the AFC Champions League five times. They also happen to have a decent record in the previous guise of the Club World Cup (now the FIFA Intercontinental Cup), having reached its final as recently as 2022.
How did they qualify?
Al-Hilal qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup by winning their confederation’s premier competition — the AFC Champions League — in 2021, thus fulfilling the requirement of winning the tournament within the stipulated period between the 2020/21 and 2023/24 seasons.
Strengths
Al-Hilal arrive at the Club World Cup as one of the most well-rounded sides on paper. One glance at their squad tells us that it is brimming with quality in every department. In goal, they have star Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou, who has time and again proved his mettle on some of the world’s biggest stages.
The defence is marshalled by the ginormous presence of veteran Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly and the effervescent elegance of former Manchester City man João Cancelo.
However, it is their midfield that oozes oomph, class, and world-class talent. Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinkovi?-Savi?, and Kaio César possess unique skillsets that perfectly complement one another with marvellous synergy — bringing creativity, vision, and defensive intensity in equal measure.
And then up front there is a guarantee of goals with star Saudi Arabia international Salem Al-Dawsari and mercurial Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovi?.
With so much quality on offer, it is evident that Al-Hilal are more than capable of making a big splash at the Club World Cup.
Weaknesses
While they boast undeniable strength and quality in their ranks, Al-Hilal have been off-colour for much of the season by their own high standards.
They’re currently second in the Saudi Pro League table, six points behind leaders Al-Ittihad. They were eliminated from the AFC Champions League in the semi-finals by fellow Saudi side Al-Ahli — a tie they were heavily favoured to win. Add to this the recent departure of head coach Jorge Jesus, and we can see that the club are in a bit of a chaotic situation.
Group Stage opponents
Al-Hilal have been drawn in Group H alongside Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid, who we also back as one of the contenders for the title, Mexico’s Pachuca, and Austria’s RB Salzburg. They’ll kick off their campaign with a mouthwatering clash against Real Madrid on June 19, followed by a game against Salzburg on June 23, before concluding their group stage against Pachuca on June 27.
Chances of winning the Club World Cup
It is not a stretch to say that Al-Hilal are one of the best — if not the best — non-European sides at this Club World Cup. With players who have played in some of the biggest leagues around the world, along with some burgeoning domestic stars of their own, they should pack a good punch against any opposition they face.
We give Al-Hilal a 6.5/10 chance of winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Leave a Reply