FIFA Club World Cup Feature | Group H Preview: Is Real Madrid's Group Stage Advancement a Sure Thing? Three Powerhouses Say No!

The 2025 Club World Cup debuts in the United States with a brand-new format, bringing together 32 top-tier clubs for the ultimate showdown in club football. This edition takes a closer look at Group H, featuring La Liga's galactic powerhouse Real Madrid, Austria's iron cavalry Red Bull Salzburg, Mexican giants Pachuca, and Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal. As these titans cross paths, the clash of swords is imminent - while the outcome remains unpredictable, the spectacle is not to be missed. 

La Liga's Galactic Powerhouse: Real Madrid 

Founded in 1902 and based in Spain's capital, Madrid, Real Madrid claimed their first trophy in 1905 by winning the Copa del Rey. Undisputed kings of Europe, Real Madrid boast a star-studded lineup, earning them the nickname "El Galacticos." Domestically, they have won 36 La Liga titles, 20 Copa del Rey trophies, and 13 Spanish Super Cups. On the European stage, Real Madrid's "Champions DNA" is unmatched, with a record 15 UEFA Champions League titles. In the Club World Cup, they have lifted the trophy five times - more than any other team in this year's tournament - most recently in 2022 when they defeated Al-Hilal 5-3 in the final. 

The 2024-25 season saw Real Madrid endure a rare trophy-less campaign, leading to the departure of legendary head coach Carlo Ancelotti. They suffered a La Liga double defeat to Barcelona, lost to their arch-rivals in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals, and were eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals. This summer, Real Madrid still have a chance to reclaim glory in the Club World Cup. They have appointed Bayer Leverkusen's young managerial prodigy Xabi Alonso and signed Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen, determined to secure at least one trophy this season. 

The Club World Cup will be Alonso's first test as Real Madrid's manager. Given the squad's quality and his tactical philosophy, expectations are high. Alonso's counter-attacking approach and pragmatic football ideology - balancing rapid transitions with composed possession - promise an exciting brand of football. Recent training sessions have emphasized defensive solidity and counter-attacking efficiency. Kylian Mbappe remains one of football's brightest stars, combining blistering pace with lethal finishing. This season, he has netted 42 goals and provided 4 assists across all competitions, including 31 La Liga goals to claim the Golden Boot. 

Austria's Iron Cavalry: Red Bull Salzburg 

Founded in 1933, Salzburg made their Austrian top-flight debut in 1953. After Red Bull's takeover in 2005, the club gradually became a force in European football. As Austria's dominant club, they have won 17 league titles, including a record 10 consecutive championships from 2013-14 to 2022-23, along with 9 Austrian Cups and Austrian Super Cups. While they may lack the continental pedigree of Europe's elite, Salzburg have been a prolific talent factory for top clubs. 

Salzburg's playing style revolves around rapid counter-attacks, midfield control, and quick transitions. Against global heavyweights, they aim to prove their grit. Danish midfielder Mads Bidstrup serves as the team's engine, excelling in ball possession, work rate, and efficient playmaking. 

Mexican Giants: Pachuca 

Founded in 1901 by miners from the British Royal Mining Company, Pachuca is one of Mexico's oldest clubs and a founding member of the Liga MX. After early struggles with promotions and relegations, they evolved into a traditional powerhouse, winning 5 league titles. They are also CONCACAF stalwarts, with 6 Champions League titles and 1 North American SuperLiga trophy. In the 2024 FIFA Club World Cup, Pachuca fell 3-0 to Real Madrid in the final, finishing as runners-up. 

Pachuca thrive on physicality and quick counters, deploying varied attacking strategies to unsettle defenses. Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon is their offensive spearhead - aerial prowess, technical ability, and relentless movement make him a constant threat. This season, he has contributed 16 goals and 5 assists in 36 appearances, delivering in crucial moments. 

Saudi Arabian Champions: Al-Hilal 

Established in 1957 in Riyadh, Al-Hilal reign as Saudi Arabia's most successful club. Bolstered by the era of financial might, their trophy cabinet overflows with 19 league titles, a record 11 King's Cups, and 8 continental titles, including 4 AFC Champions League trophies. Notably, they swept all domestic honors in the 2023-24 season. In the 2022 Club World Cup final, Al-Hilal lost to Real Madrid, settling for silver. 

Al-Hilal's technical, possession-based game emphasizes midfield dominance and fluid passing. Recently, they appointed Simone Inzaghi - fresh from a four-year stint at Inter Milan - as their new head coach. His debut will be at the Club World Cup, including a group-stage clash with Real Madrid, adding intrigue to the group. The squad features stars like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcolm, and Ruben Neves. Kalidou Koulibaly anchors the defense with elite awareness, while Mitrovic leads the attack with 28 goals and 7 assists in 36 games this season. 

Group H: A Clash of Titans 

Group H blends historic pedigree with fierce ambition. Real Madrid seeks redemption after a barren season, Salzburg aim to uphold Austrian pride, Pachuca represents CONCACAF's resilience, and Al-Hilal embark on a quest to challenge the elite. This summer, they will ignite the passion of football fans worldwide!