- Fixture: Pachuca vs Red Bull Salzburg
- Date: Wednesday, 18 June 2025
- Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Match Preview
Group H of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 sees Mexican giants Pachuca take on Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg in Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium. This fixture is crucial for both teams, as they are drawn alongside heavyweights Real Madrid and Al Hilal, making a positive start essential if they hope to reach the knockout rounds.
Pachuca arrive in the United States after a mixed domestic season. Their 2024/25 Liga MX campaign was underwhelming—they finished 12th in the combined Apertura and Clausura standings and exited the Clausura quarter-finals with a 2-0 defeat to Club América. Their recent form is patchy, with just one win in their last five matches (W1, D2, L2), though they did edge Al Ahly on penalties in a recent friendly following a 1-1 draw. Despite domestic struggles, Pachuca qualified for this tournament by dominating the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, notably thrashing Columbus Crew 3-0 in the final.
Red Bull Salzburg, meanwhile, make their Club World Cup debut as Austria’s top representatives. They finished the Austrian Bundesliga season strongly, winning three of their last four games, but ultimately missed out on reclaiming the league title. Salzburg’s attack has been prolific, scoring at least two goals in each of their last four matches, but their defense has been leaky, with just one clean sheet in their last nine outings. This blend of attacking prowess and defensive fragility sets the stage for a potentially open contest.
Injuries and suspensions could play a role. Pachuca will be without central defender Andres Micolta, who remains sidelined by a long-term knee injury. Salzburg have suffered a blow with young midfielder Maurits Kjaergaard ruled out due to a ligament injury that will keep him out for up to eight weeks. Both sides, however, retain the core of their attacking talent and are expected to field strong lineups.
Both teams have a history of high-scoring matches: Salzburg have found the net in 15 consecutive games, while Pachuca have seen both teams score in 14 of their last 18 fixtures. Given their respective defensive records and the attacking quality on display, this match promises entertainment and goals, with both sides likely to view it as a must-win given the group’s difficulty.
Key Players
Pachuca
- Salomón Rondón: The Venezuelan veteran has been in outstanding form, finishing as top scorer in the CONCACAF Champions Cup with nine goals in seven games. He also netted 15 times in the Liga MX season and brings invaluable experience to the front line.
- Oussama Idrissi: The Moroccan winger contributed six goals and nine assists in Liga MX, and his dribbling and creativity will be vital for breaking down Salzburg’s defense.
- Carlos Moreno: While Pachuca’s defense is suspect, Moreno’s shot-stopping ability could be crucial in a likely end-to-end game.
Red Bull Salzburg
- Oscar Gloukh: The Israeli playmaker is Salzburg’s creative hub and has been instrumental in their attacking output.
- Karim Konaté: The Ivorian striker’s pace and finishing have been key to Salzburg’s recent scoring streak.
- Amankwah Forson: The Ghanaian midfielder offers drive and energy in the center of the park, especially with Kjaergaard injured.
Prediction
Both teams bring attacking firepower but defensive vulnerabilities. Pachuca’s experience in this competition and the clinical form of Rondón give them a slight edge, but Salzburg’s youthful exuberance and scoring consistency cannot be ignored. Expect a lively encounter with goals at both ends. A 2-2 draw or a narrow 2-1 win for either side looks likely, but the safest call is both teams to score.
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Selection | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time Result | Pachuca | 15/8 | Bet Now |
| Full Time Result | Draw | 5/2 | Bet Now |
| Full Time Result | Salzburg | 13/10 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 8/13 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Yes | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| First Goalscorer | Salomón Rondón | 5/1 | Bet Now |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Karim Konaté | 7/4 | Bet Now |
| Double Chance | Pachuca or Draw | 4/7 | Bet Now |
Odds are indicative and may vary; always check the latest prices before placing a bet.
Expect a thrilling start to Group H as two ambitious sides go head-to-head in Cincinnati, with both aiming to seize the initiative in a fiercely competitive group.
