Mexican giants C.F. Pachuca head to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA as the most experienced of the four CONCACAF hopefuls and are looked up to to hoist the region’s mantle high. However, late changes in the technical bench may puncture this mission.
Initially hesitant to let him go, the Tuzos finally accepted coach Guillermo Jorge Almada Alves’ resignation late last month—just weeks before the tournament, which kicks off from 15 June to 13 July 2025—throwing their preparations into a spin. To fill the void left by the hugely successful 58-year-old Uruguayan, who won both the Liga MX and the CONCACAF Champions Cup during his three-year stint, the club immediately appointed Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano. Yet, doubts linger over whether time is on his side to craft a winning outfit.
Explaining Almada’s exit, Pachuca—who boast CONCACAF’s best run in the FIFA Club World Cup, having finished third in the 2017 campaign in the UAE—cited “differences between his vision and that of Grupo Pachuca” and a need for “leadership, professionalism, dynamism and strong group management,” qualities they believe Jimmy, a Gold Cup winner, possesses.
Pachuca are placed in Group H alongside multiple European champions Real Madrid, RB Salzburg—who qualified by virtue of rankings—and Asian champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia. They will open their group fixtures against RB Salzburg on Wednesday next week in Cincinnati, before taking on Madrid four days later in Charlotte. Pachuca will round up their group matches against Al Hilal on 26 June in Nashville.
In a late bid to strengthen the squad, the club brought back midfielder Víctor “Pocho” Guzmán on loan from Chivas and signed goalkeeper Sebastián Jurado—a key target ahead of the tournament. To gauge their preparedness, Pachuca played their only official pre-tournament friendly against 12-time African champions Al Ahly of Egypt, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The match provided an opportunity for Lozano to begin implementing his tactics—notably a 4‑3‑3 formation. It also helped the squad gain match sharpness and cohesion ahead of the Club World Cup.
Some of Pachuca’s players to watch include striker Salomón Rondón. The veteran Venezuelan and club captain has scored 25 goals in 50 appearances since joining in 2024. He netted 16 goals in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and stands out as their main attacking threat.
Oussama Idrissi is the creative engine on the left flank. He has recorded six assists and won over 100 duels this season. A regular starter, Idrissi plays a key role in both buildup play and high pressing from wide areas.
Signed in January, John Kennedy played a pivotal role in helping Fluminense win the 2023 Copa Libertadores, scoring the decisive goal in the final. Since joining Pachuca, he has scored nine goals in 20 Liga MX matches, bringing pace and flair to the front line.
Midfield dynamo Nelson Deossa is another player to watch in the Tuzos’ ranks. The Colombian ball-winner and transition catalyst has impressed with eight steals, two goals, and two assists in the Champions Cup.
Yet, according to The Sun, “Pachuca haven’t had a great time domestically, but they did make it to the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they lost 3-0 to Real Madrid in the final. The December 2024 defeat to Los Blancos was more comprehensive than perhaps the scoreline suggests and highlights the gulf in class the Mexicans are going to have to overcome to make a mark on this competition (Club World Cup).”
CONCACAF Teams at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
1. Pachuca (Mexico) – Qualified by winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Group H – with Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, Red Bull Salzburg.
2. Los Angeles FC (USA) – Qualified via play-in victory over Club América in May 2025.
Group D – with Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea.
3. Seattle Sounders FC (USA) – Qualified by winning the 2022 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Group B – with PSG, Atlético Madrid, Botafogo.
4. Inter Miami CF (USA) – Qualified as host nation representative (2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners).
Group A – with Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly.
