FIFA Club World Cup 2025: How can Real Madrid qualify for knockouts after Salzburg drew with Al Hillal?
Al Hilal dominated possession but was held to a 0-0 draw by a resilient Salzburg defence in their Club World Cup Group H clash on Sunday. Despite having 62% possession and 10 shots, the Saudi side lacked a cutting edge in the absence of injured striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Earlier, Real Madrid beat Pachuca 3-1, knocking out the Mexican side. With the draw, the group’s knockout round spots remain undecided, setting up two crucial matches ahead.
What are the rules of knockout qualification in FIFA Club World Cup?
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockouts of FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Salzburg will face Real Madrid in Philadelphia on Thursday, with Kylian Mbappe expected to return after missing the Spanish club’s first two matches, according to coach Xabi Alonso. On the same day, Al Hilal will take on Pachuca in Nashville.
How can Real Madrid qualify for the knockouts?
Real Madrid tops the group, level on points with Salzburg but ahead due to a superior club ranking. Pachuca, last year’s Intercontinental Cup runner-up, remains pointless.
Madrid must avoid defeat against Salzburg to secure qualification. A loss would leave its fate hinging on the Al Hilal vs Pachuca result — anything but a win for the Saudi side would still send Xabi Alonso’s team through.
Group H points table
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points |
| Real Madrid | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| RB Salzburg | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Al Hilal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Pachuca | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
(with inputs from AP)
