There are four additional matches on the horizon in the Club World Cup featuring European giants Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Juventus joining the competition.
The Old Lady is set to clash with Al Ain and Wydad Casablanca will face City in Group G, while Al Hilal will challenge Real Madrid and Pachuca will play against Red Bull Salzburg in Group H.
Al Ain vs Juventus (Thursday, 2am)
Juventus may not be as dominant as they have been in the past, and surprisingly, this is their first time competing in the Club World Cup.
Juventus ended at a commendable fourth place in Serie A last season, with just four defeats in 38 league matches. It would be disappointing if they fail to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Al Ain, hailing from the United Arab Emirates, clinched the 2023-24 AFC Champions League title, but they have already changed coaches three times this season and only managed a fifth-place finish in their local league.
It is anticipated that the Italian side will cruise to victory without much trouble.
Score prediction: Al Ain 0-3 Juventus
Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca (Wednesday, 5pm)
Manchester City, the second Premier League representative in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, will take on Moroccan outfit Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday.
Having secured their place alongside Chelsea in the tournament by winning the 2023 Champions League, City will aim to defend their title in the expanded 32-team competition after claiming victory on their debut two years ago.
In their previous triumph, City only played two matches, defeating Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0 in the semi-final before a 4-0 victory over Fluminense in the final. Pep Guardiola's squad is expected to start off comfortably.
Wydad, winners of the 2022 CAF Champions League, have shown seriousness in their preparations and had narrow losses to Sevilla and Porto last month. However, they are likely to struggle against the Premier League side.
Score prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Wydad Casablanca
Real Madrid vs Al Hilal (Wednesday, 8pm)
Real Madrid holds the record for the most successful team in Club World Cup history. Their initial match of 2025 is a rematch of their recent success, defeating Al Hilal 5-3 in the 2022 final for their fifth triumph.
Although the Saudi side has a chance to progress from the group with matches against Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg to follow, they are unlikely to upset the Spanish giants in their opener.
While replicating an eight-goal thriller may be challenging, Al Hilal possesses enough attacking prowess to find the net at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Score prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Al Hilal
Pachuca vs FC Salzburg (Wednesday, 11pm)
The other pair in Group H may consider themselves fortunate for the opportunity to compete with the world's top teams, and their opening encounter presents the best chance for both Pachuca and FC Salzburg to avoid leaving empty-handed.
The Austrian side had a tough outing in the Champions League this season, losing seven of their eight group games and managing only five goals while conceding 27.
Pachuca from Mexico also faced difficulties, finishing eighth in their domestic league after triumphing in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. They seem to have a slight edge over their opponents when it comes to securing a victory, but a draw could be the safer bet.
Score prediction: Pachuca 1-1 FC Salzburg