Asian Challengers In FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Al Hilal, Al Ain, And Other Top Teams To Challenge Giants of Soccer
32 teams will jostle for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the US, with approximately £97 million up for grabs.
FIFA’s move to include additional technological innovation alongside expanded team participation is seen as an effort to enhance fan experience and elevate the competition’s glamour.
Asia’s sole representative at the last edition of the FIFA Club World Cup was the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain. This year, Asia will have four representatives: Ulsan HD (South Korea), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Al Ain (United Arab Emirates), and Urawa Reds (Japan).
Al Hilal
The Saudi Arabian side is a formidable opponent, boasting a star-studded lineup that includes former Manchester City full-back João Cancelo, former Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, and defender Kalidou Koulibaly, not to mention ex-Barcelona attacker Malcom.
A failed late bid for N’Golo Kanté won’t derail the Saudi club, who will aim to surpass their runner-up finish in 2022 when they lost 5-3 to Real Madrid.
They will again face Real Madrid in Group H, alongside Mexican side Pachuca and Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg.
Urawa Reds
One of Asia’s most successful clubs, the Japanese side has won the AFC Champions League three times—most recently in 2022.
Currently third in their domestic league, Urawa will be making their third Club World Cup appearance, having qualified by winning the 2022 AFC Champions League.
Their squad includes 37-year-old veteran goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa, Danilo Boza (signed from Brazilian club Juventude), and fellow Brazilian Matheus Savio.
They are grouped with River Plate, Inter Milan, and CF Monterrey of Mexico.
Ulsan HD
Making their third appearance at the global tournament, Ulsan HD are the sole Korean representatives this year.
Currently competing in the K League, they’re chasing a fourth consecutive title and sit third on the table.
Their group includes African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns, Brazilian side Fluminense, and Borussia Dortmund. Head coach Kim Pan-gon remains confident, setting Round of 16 qualification as the team’s primary goal.
Al Ain
Al Ain secured their Club World Cup spot by winning the 2023–24 AFC Champions League.
They were the first Emirati side to appear at the tournament and will look to draw inspiration from their 2018 run, where they reached the final but lost 4-1 to Real Madrid.
A two-time AFC Champions League winner, Al Ain will rely on key players like Soufiane Rahimi, a dynamic winger, and goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, whose standout performance against Al Nassr helped clinch their qualification.
They face a tough draw with Juventus, Manchester City, and Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in their group.
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