Group H of the 2025 Club World Cup kicks off with a pivotal showdown between Pachuca and Salzburg — two sides hoping to punch their ticket to the knockout stage in a group where Real Madrid looms large as the favourite. The clash will unfold at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati and could shape the race for second place.
For Pachuca, the challenge is steep as they brace for back-to-back battles against European opposition. But there’s a wave of optimism surrounding the Mexican side following the appointment of former national team boss Jaime Lozano and a bold recruitment drive that brought in seven fresh faces: Sebastian Jurado, Agustín Palavecino, Federico Pereira, Brian Garcia, Aviles Hurtado, Victor Guzman, and Robert Kenedy.
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On the other side, Salzburg arrives with more to prove than to celebrate. After a disappointing Champions League run, the Austrians hope to redeem themselves on American soil. While they haven’t made waves recently, their reputation as a talent factory remains intact — having developed stars like Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai, Sadio Mane, and Dayot Upamecano. They’ll be desperate to head into their group finale against Madrid with their fate still in their own hands.
According to Paddy Power, Salzburg enters the contest as the slight favourite at 7/4, while a win for Pachuca stands at 6/4. A draw is currently priced at 23/10, making this one of the most evenly poised matchups of the opening round.
The Sporting News presents odds and predictions to bet and make the match more exciting.
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Pachuca vs. Salzburg prediction, tips, bet builder and odds for Club World Cup clash
Both Teams to Score: 13/20 (Skybet)
When clubs from North America and Europe clash, it's rarely just about the points — there's pride, prestige, and plenty of firepower on display. Pachuca come in with attacking confidence, having lit up the scoreboard in recent away games: five goals at Necaxa, two each against Monterrey and titleholders Toluca. But while they’re finding the net, they've also been shaky at the back, conceding first in four of their last five outings.
Salzburg, on the other hand, bring goals in bunches, especially away from home. They've hit the over 2.5 mark in their last four matches on the road, and both teams have scored in eight of their last nine overall. With both sides inclined to go forward and leave spaces behind, this matchup has all the ingredients for goals at both ends.
Dorgeles Nene to score at anytime: 8/1 (Skybet)
Salzburg’s reputation as a launchpad for future stars is well-earned, and the latest name to watch is Dorgeles Nene. The Malian winger, just 22 years old, is coming off a breakout season with 15 goals across all competitions, including 13 in the Austrian Bundesliga. Quick, technical, and fearless in the final third, Nene could use this Club World Cup stage to announce himself to a global audience. With Pachuca’s defense far from airtight, the odds on him finding the net offer great value.
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Pachuca vs. Salzburg predicted score and most likely results
Here's some of the most likely results for this Club World Cup match-up, according to Paddy Power. Odds are correct at the time of publish, but are subject to change.
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Pachuca 1-0 | 10/1 |
| Pachuca 2-0 | 14/1 |
| Pachuca 2-1 | 9/1 |
| Draw 1-1 | 6/1 |
| Draw 0-0 | 12/1 |
| Salzburg 1-0 | 10/1 |
| Salzburg 2-1 | 9/1 |
How to watch Pachuca vs. Salzburg in Club World Cup action
- Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
- Venue: TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Time: 11:00 p.m. BST
- TV/Streaming: DAZN