Saudi Shockwave: Al Hilal Stun Manchester City in Club World Cup Upset

The FIFA Club World Cup has delivered its first genuine shock—and what a statement it was. In a result that will echo far beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal pulled off a sensational victory over reigning European champions Manchester City.

It was more than just a football result—it was a turning point. Proof, perhaps, that Saudi investment isn't just buying stars; it's building contenders. Despite being second-best for much of the first half, Al Hilal came roaring back after the break with energy, precision, and purpose. And in the end, their triumph felt nothing short of deserved.

Manchester City, who had appeared to find their rhythm in the group stages, shockingly reverted to the sloppy, vulnerable form that occasionally haunted them last season. Mistakes at the back, a lack of urgency in midfield, and an attack that failed to click—Pep Guardiola’s side looked anything but world champions.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Manchester City - Al Hilal SFC 3:4 (1:0)
Goals: Bernardo Silva, 9 (1:0); Leonardo M., 46 (1:1); Malcom, 52 (1:2); Håland E., 55 (2:2); Koulibaly K., 94 (2:3); Foden, 104 (3:3); Leonardo M., 112 (3:4)

Manchester City: Ederson; Dias R.; Aït-Nouri; Gvardiol (Akanji, 53); Reijnders (Cherki, 91); Gundogan (Rodri, 53; Foden, 100); Bernardo Silva; Matheus Nunes (Ake, 53); Sávio Moreira; Håland E. (Marmoush, 91); Doku J.
Bench: Bettinelli; Ortega S.; Stones; Vitor Reis; Khusanov; Nico González; Bobb; O'Reilly
Yellow Cards: Gvardiol 27; Matheus Nunes 39; Akanji 105

Al Hilal SFC: Bounou; Koulibaly K.; Renan Lodi; Al-Dawsari N. (Al-Juwayr, 106); Cancelo (Al-Yami H., 88); Al-Harbi (Al-Bulayhi, 88); Ruben Neves; Milinković-Savić S.; Kanno (Lajami, 83); Leonardo M. (Al-Ghannam, 116); Malcom (Cesar Kaio, 64)
Bench: Al-Yami M.; Al Dawsari Kh.; Al-Shahrani; Al-Qahtani
Yellow Cards: Leonardo M. 113