The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Pachuca (Mexico) and Salzburg (Austria) will take place on June 19 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati (USA). Pachuca vs. Salzburg: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Pachuca
The Mexicans are representing the CONCACAF zone in the tournament. The team earned their spot in the Club World Cup by winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, defeating Columbus Crew 3-0 in the final. This marks Pachuca's fifth appearance in the Club World Cup. Their best performances were in 2008 and 2017, when they finished third. In their domestic league, the club finished only eighth, with one win in their last five Clausura and playoff matches (2 draws and 2 losses).
In early June, Pachuca underwent a managerial change, appointing Jaime Lozano, who previously managed the Mexican national team. Notably, the club's key player is forward Salomon Rondon, who scored 15 goals in the recently concluded season.
- In the Club World Cup, Pachuca has played nine matches, securing only one win in regular time (4 draws and 4 losses).
- At least one team failed to score in 5 of Pachuca's last 7 matches in this tournament.
- The club's unbeaten streak in the CONCACAF Champions League is 12 matches – 7 wins and 5 draws in regular time.
Predicted lineup for Pachuca (4-2-3-1)
Carlos Moreno – Bryan Gonzalez, Alonso Aceves, Eduardo Gabriel, Jorge Berlanga – Elias Montiel, Pedro Pedraza – Oussama Idrissi, Alan Bautista, Emilio Rodriguez – Salomon Rondon.
Salzburg
Thomas Lech's side is making their debut in this tournament. Notably, no Austrian club has previously participated in the Club World Cup. Salzburg qualified for the upcoming tournament thanks to their position in the UEFA ranking over the past four years. Additionally, the club finished second in last season's Bundesliga, just two points behind Sturm.
Among the Austrians, midfielder Nene Dorgeles stands out, having scored 13 goals and provided 5 assists in the league. The Malian also found the net in 4 of his last 5 Bundesliga matches.
- The team lost in regular time in 7 of their last 8 UEFA Champions League matches.
- At least three goals were scored in 7 of Salzburg's last 8 matches in the European Champions League.
- The Austrians conceded two or more goals in regular time in 7 of their last 8 UEFA Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Salzburg (4-4-2)
Alexander Schlager – Tim Trummer, Kwaku Gadu, Samson Baidu, Jon Melberg – Nene Dorgeles, Mads Bidstrup, Takumu Kawamura, Oscar Gloukh – Edmund Baidu, Petar Ratkov.
Referee
Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2023/24–2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 31;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.2;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 30;
Penalties – 0%.
Pachuca vs. Salzburg: Match Prediction
The teams were fortunate with the draw, as Group H features only one serious contender likely to top the group. The fight for the second spot will be competitive among the remaining clubs, as they are roughly equal in strength and squad depth. Therefore, both opponents will have a special motivation for the upcoming match, as the winner will significantly boost their chances of advancing to the playoffs.
Understanding the importance of victory, the opponents will aim to spend as much time as possible on the attack, which, in my opinion, will lead to both teams scoring. Notably, the Mexicans have scored in their last six CONCACAF Champions League matches. The Austrians have scored in 8 of their last 13 UEFA Champions League games, but they have also conceded in their last nine matches in Europe's top tournament. Additionally, Pachuca scored 49 goals in 34 league matches. Salzburg was equally prolific, scoring 53 times in 32 Bundesliga games. Furthermore, both teams scored in 8 of Salzburg's last 9 Austrian Championship matches.
My prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
