The game between Pachuca and RB Salzburg is scheduled for today, June 18, 2025, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, USA. This match is part of the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Both teams are in Group H, which also includes Real Madrid and Al Hilal, as they fight for a chance to move on to the knockout rounds.
Match Prediction
Pachuca, which represents North American soccer, got into the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup by beating Columbus Crew 3-0 in the final. This is their sixth time in the competition.
RB Salzburg secured their place through UEFA’s four-year ranking system, where they ended up as runners-up in the Austrian Bundesliga. This will be their first time participating in the Club World Cup.
19.06.2025 00:00
FIFA Club World Cup – Round 1
Pachuca : Salzburg
Pachuca: In the 2024-25 season, Pachuca finished 8th in the Liga MX Clausura 2025, earning 28 points from 17 games. They had 8 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of +6. This result shows they are competitive and allowed them to qualify for the playoffs. Their team includes players like Salomón Rondón, who scored 15 goals and provided 5 assists this season. They are known for their attacking style of play, which helped them win the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup by beating Columbus Crew 3-0 in the final.
Pachuca has a strong history in CONCACAF competitions, having won six Champions Cup titles, the most since 2000. Recently, they had a solid Clausura season, finishing 8th but were knocked out by Club América in the quarter-finals.
RB Salzburg, had a strong 2024-25 season in the Austrian Bundesliga, finishing in second place with 38 points from 32 games. They had a goal difference of +17, scoring 53 goals and conceding 36. This performance shows how competitive they are, allowing them to qualify for the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds.
Salzburg is a club with a rich history in Austria, having won 17 league titles and nine Austrian Cups. Recently, they have been very dominant, winning 14 titles in 17 seasons, including 10 straight from 2014 to 2023.
However, they faced some tough times recently, as head coach Pepijn Lijnders left on December 16, 2024, due to poor results in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League and a 10-point gap in the league. Thomas Letsch took over as head coach in May 2025.
Based on the analysis, RB Salzburg is the small favorite. Salzburg can probably beat Pachuca because of their experience in Europe, but Pachuca has a strong attack with Rondón, which means they will likely score at least one goal. We expect to see an exciting match with at least 3 goals.
Our prediction:
3+ (OVER2.5)
Odds:1.84
Published: 18.06.2025 10:54
Kindly be advised that all odds are accurate as of the publication date and time indicated, and they may be subject to alterations.
All kick-off times and updates are provided in Central European Summer Time +2 (GMT+2).
How the Teams Might Line Up:
Pachuca (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Moreno
Defense: González, Barreto, Bauermann, Rodríguez
Midfield: Montiel, Palavecino
Attack: Idrissi, Bautista, Rodríguez
Striker: Kennedy
Salzburg (4-2-2-2):
Goalkeeper: Schlager
Defense: Mellberg, Baidoo, Gadou, Trummer
Midfield: Kawamura, Bidstrup
Attack: Gloukh, Nene
Forwards: Ratkov, Baidoo
Players Who Won’t Play:
Pachuca will miss Andrés Micolta, who is out. Sergio Barreto and Emilio Rodríguez are doubtful but expected to play.
Salzburg will miss Karim Konaté and Nicolás Capaldo. John Mellberg is doubtful but should be ready.