Club World Cup shock: Al-Hilal stun Manchester City 4–3 to advance to quarter-finals

In a stunning upset at the FIFA Club World Cup, Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal defeated reigning UEFA giants Manchester City 4–3 in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

The high-octane clash saw the Riyadh-based club overcome Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side despite City dominating possession (69%) and crafting numerous opportunities throughout the match.

Al-Hilal’s clinical counter-attacking play and resilient defending, coupled with a standout performance from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, sealed a famous victory for the Saudi Pro League outfit.

Al-Hilal will now face Fluminense in the last eight after the Brazilian side also pulled off a major upset by eliminating Inter Milan.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, visibly disappointed after the final whistle, admitted his side failed to make their dominance count in the critical moments.

“We regret a little bit that we allowed them to run a bit more,” Guardiola said in his post-match press conference. “They defended so deep, the wingers were so quick, and Bounou made a lot of saves. We had the chances, but we didn’t finish.”

City, who were considered one of the favourites to win the tournament, went into the game under pressure to secure silverware after a trophyless 2024–25 season.

Despite their strong start in the competition, they were undone by Al-Hilal’s efficient counterplay and sharp finishing.

“I had a feeling we could go through,” Guardiola added, “but they punished us on the transitions. They didn’t create much in the first half, but we did — and couldn’t finish it.”

READ ALSO: FIFA’s Club World Cup unveils 5 rule innovations ahead of 2025 tournament

Al-Hilal executed their game plan with precision, absorbing pressure and striking with speed on the break.

Moroccan international Yassine Bounou was instrumental, producing a string of saves that frustrated City’s attack, including close-range efforts from Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne.

While City were aggressive in possession and pressed high, their inability to track Al-Hilal’s rapid transitions left them vulnerable defensively — a flaw the Saudi side exploited with ruthless efficiency.

The result marks one of the most significant victories for a Middle Eastern club in recent Club World Cup history, as Al-Hilal continue their push for global recognition under a revamped squad backed by the Saudi football investment project.

With their win over the English champions, Al-Hilal now eye a place in the semi-finals, where they will face a formidable Fluminense side looking to extend their own fairytale run.

The FIFA Club World Cup continues to deliver surprises, and Al-Hilal’s triumph over Manchester City may go down as one of the tournament’s defining moments — a clear sign that the global football landscape is evolving.