Club Pachuca returns to the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC), having previously competed in the competition in 2018, where they achieved a third-placed finish.
This wasn't their only participation in the biggest competition in college football. Just last December, they played in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, which replaced the CWC and finished second, losing to Real Madrid in the final.
Los Tuzos qualified for the highest-level international club competition after winning the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, defeating MLS side Columbus Crew in the final.
The team, owned by Grupo Pachuca, holds one of the five Concacaf spots in the tournament. The other four are Monterrey, Seattle Sounders, Los Angeles FC, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Los Tuzos arrive with high expectations and strong ambition after being eliminated from the Liga MX Clausura in the quarterfinals by Club América, who later lost the play-in against LAFC to miss out on the tournament. With more than two months of preparation behind them, the team is ready to compete against some of the biggest names in world football.
From El Tri to Club Pachuca
Guillermo Almada, the head coach who led the team for three and a half years, was dismissed following their Liga MX exit. However, Pachuca brought in an experienced manager: Jaime Lozano, known for his experience with the Mexican national team.
Jaime Lozano took over as Mexico’s interim head coach in June 2023 and quickly delivered results, leading the team to a Gold Cup title with a 1–0 win over Panama. His success earned him the permanent role just two months later. Prior to that, he coached the U-23 national team to a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, showcasing his ability to manage young talent and perform under pressure.
After initial success, Lozano took Mexico to the 2024 Copa América, and following a disappointing early exit, the federation offered Lozano a reduced role as assistant coach until 2026, but he declined and left the position in July 2024.
Now at Pachuca, Lozano brings a strong track record in tournament play, a clear tactical vision, and experience with both youth development and senior international competition. His appointment reflects the club’s ambition ahead of the Club World Cup.
Pachuca’s Intercontinental Cup Final vs. Real Madrid
In the inaugural 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final on December 18, 2024, held at Lusail Stadium, Pachuca faced the European giants Real Madrid. Despite a valiant start and some promising early chances, they end up losing 3-0. Even in defeat, Pachuca earned respect. Their young midfield star, Elías Montiel, was awarded the Adidas Bronze Ball as the tournament’s third-best player, making that journey worthwhile.
Group H Opponents
The Mexican side has been placed in Group H alongside European powerhouse Real Madrid, Al Hilal, and Austria's FC Salzburg.
1. Real Madrid
Valued at an estimated €1.33 billion squad value per Transfermarkt. Featuring superstars like Vinícius Jr. (€200 M), Jude Bellingham (€180 M), and Mbappé (€160 M). (Transfermarkt)
The 15-time UEFA Champions League winners are tipped to go far this summer, with their meeting with Pachuca likely to be a difficult challenge.
2. Al Hilal
Estimated squad value of €154 million; top players include Portugal international Rúben Neves (€25 M) (Transfermarkt)
A powerhouse in Asian football, who were recently crowned champions of Saudi Arabia, with players like Aleksander Mitrovic, João Cancelo, and Malcom.
3. FC Salzburg
Squad valued at roughly €149–175 million, with an average player value around €4.5–5.1 million (Transfermarkt)
The Austrians are regular participants in the UEFA Champions League group stage, but finished second in the Austrian Bundesliga behind Sturm Graz.
Squad Reinforcements
Pachuca has managed to strengthen its squad with five reinforcements ahead of the competition:
- Jose Castillo: A former Pachuca player who had been transferred to Chivas Guadalajara two years ago but now returns on loan for the duration of the Club World Cup.
- Agustin Palavecino: An Argentine midfielder from Necaxa, who stood out during the season and was a key figure for Los Rayos, and joins Club Pachuca in a loan deal for the CWC.
- Federico Pereira: A Uruguayan center-back and Liga MX champion, who arrives from Toluca to strengthen the defense. Pereira joins on a loan deal.
- Robert Kennedy: A winger from Spanish side Valladolid, who will not only reinforce the team for the tournament but also joins the squad on a 12-month contract.
- Sebastian Jurado: A well-established Liga MX goalkeeper who joins the club from Juarez on a one-month loan. The Mexican goalkeeper has experienced high-level competition, winning a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics in Japan and a Liga MX title with Cruz Azul
In addition to these new defensive and offensive reinforcements, Los Tuzos boast two standout figures who have been vital throughout the season:
- Salomón Rondon: A veteran who will be familiar to European football fans for his time in the English Premier League. The Venezuelan striker who has 22 goals across all club competitions (Liga MX, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Intercontinental Cup, Leagues Cup, friendlies) and 4 assists.
- Oussama Idrissi: Formerly of Feyenoord and Sevilla, the Moroccan winger is a dynamic and unpredictable player who has 7 goals in 40 matches across all club competitions and 13 assists.
Pachuca's fixture
This is how the group stage calendar looks for Los Tuzos.
Wednesday, June 18. 4:00 PM (CST)
VS. FC Salzburg: Cincinnati, Ohio
Sunday, June 22. 1:00 PM (CST)
VS. Real Madrid: Charlotte, North Carolina
Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 PM (CST)
VS. Al Hilal: Nashville, Tennessee
The Mexican club arrives ready to represent both Mexico and Concacaf with pride. With a revamped squad, a new manager, and high ambitions, Club Pachuca stands as one of the North American teams with the most potential to surprise at the tournament.
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