Manchester City endured a nightmare in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after suffering a shocking 4–3 defeat to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the Round of 16.
Playing at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Pep Guardiola’s side started the match strongly, taking an early lead through Bernardo Silva in the 9th minute.
Riding the momentum, City pressed forward in search of a second goal, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Al Hilal’s resilient defense.
Instead, it was the Saudi club that turned the game around. Marcos Leonardo equalized in the 46th minute, followed by a goal from Malcom in the 52nd, giving Al Hilal a surprising 2–1 lead. City managed to respond quickly, with Erling Haaland leveling the score at 2–2 just three minutes later.
The match remained deadlocked through regular time, forcing the contest into extra time. There, Al Hilal pulled ahead once more with goals from Kalidou Koulibaly (94’) and another from Marcos Leonardo (112’). Phil Foden’s strike in the 104th minute proved to be in vain, as Manchester City ultimately fell 4–3.
City’s early elimination is not only a sporting disappointment but also a significant financial setback. The Premier League giants are estimated to have lost out on potential revenues of up to £40.2 million due to missing the semifinals and final.
In total, their premature exit could cost the club up to £78 million in prize money and associated revenues funds that could have gone a long way toward offsetting their summer transfer spending of £109 million on players such as Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders.
Manchester City entered the tournament as one of the favorites to lift the trophy, especially with what appeared to be a favorable draw. A win against Al Hilal would have set up a quarterfinal clash with Fluminense, and a potential semifinal matchup against either Chelsea or Palmeiras.
Given their strong recent record against Chelsea unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches (9 wins, 2 draws) since the 2021 Champions League final City were confident of progressing to the final, scheduled for July 13 in New Jersey.
However, those ambitions have now crumbled. Manchester City exits the tournament with only the base participation prize of £37.8 million, falling well short of their expectations.
