The Matchday 2 clash of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Salzburg (Austria) and Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) will take place on June 23 at Audi Field in Washington, USA. Salzburg vs. Al-Hilal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Salzburg
The Austrian team's debut in the FIFA Club World Cup was successful. Thomas Lech's side defeated Pachuca 2-1 in the first round. However, it's worth noting that the Europeans were somewhat fortunate in that match, as the Mexicans were not inferior and even had an edge in several key statistical categories. Nevertheless, Salzburg ended their four-match losing streak on the international stage, having previously suffered heavy defeats in the UEFA Champions League.
- The Austrians have achieved only two victories in regular time in their last 10 matches in the UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup (1 draw and 7 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 90 minutes in Salzburg's last six games in these tournaments.
- The team has not won the second half in 9 of their last 10 encounters in the UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup (3 draws and 6 losses).
Predicted lineup for Salzburg (4-4-2)
Christian Zavesicky – Kouaku Gadu, Frans Kretzig, Stefan Lainer, Jakob Rasmussen – Nene Dorgeles, Oscar Gloukh, Mads Bidstrup, Valentin Sulzbacher – Petar Ratkov, Edmund Baidoo.
Al-Hilal
The Saudis were likely pleased with the result of their first match, as they managed to take points from the most decorated team in FIFA Club World Cup history – Real Madrid (1-1). The Arabian club was not intimidated by their illustrious opponent, did not retreat into their half, and ultimately played an even match with the Madrid side, only trailing in the number of shots. Thus, Simone Inzaghi can consider his debut as Al-Hilal's head coach a success.
- The team has not lost in regular time in 12 of their last 14 matches in the AFC Champions League and Club World Cup (10 wins and 2 draws).
- Al-Hilal has scored in 24 of their last 25 games in these tournaments within 90 minutes.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Al-Hilal's last 8 matches in the Club World Cup regular time.
Predicted lineup for Al-Hilal (4-3-3)
Yassine Bounou – Kalidou Koulibaly, Renan Lodi, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Joao Cancelo – Salem Al-Dawsari, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Malcom, Ruben Neves, Marcos Leonardo.
The participation of forward Aleksandar Mitrovic is still in doubt due to an injury.
Referee
Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 61;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 33%.
Salzburg vs. Al-Hilal: Match Prediction
Bookmakers rightly consider the Arab team as favorites for the upcoming match. After all, the team has a stronger lineup than the Austrians, as many of Al-Hilal's leaders have played in Europe for a long time. The team is clearly aiming to progress as far as possible in this tournament, as evidenced by the quick acquisition of Simone Inzaghi in early June. Expectations are high for results from the coach in this Club World Cup.
I also note the current form of the nominal guests. At the official level, Al-Hilal has won in 90 minutes 22 times in their last 29 matches (4 draws and 3 losses). Therefore, I believe the team will prevail in the upcoming match. The Austrians, in my opinion, are weaker, and Salzburg's results suggest they are not ready to compete with strong opponents yet, as they have lost 7 of their last 8 Champions League matches, with at least a two-goal margin.
My prediction: Al-Hilal to win
* The lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.
