Club World Cup: Al Hilal Upset Manchester City in Extra-Time Thriller

Manchester City Crash Out of FIFA Club World Cup as Al Hilal Pull Off Stunning Upset in Florida

Manchester City’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign came to a shocking end on Tuesday night as they were eliminated in the last 16 by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in a dramatic extra-time thriller in Florida. Despite early dominance and multiple chances, Pep Guardiola’s side fell 3-4 after extra time to a resilient and determined Al Hilal team, who now move on to face Fluminense in the quarter-finals.

The defeat marks a huge upset in the competition, with Manchester City—one of the tournament favourites—succumbing to a late winner from Al Hilal’s Marcos Leonardo, who netted twice on the night.

Strong Start from City, But Missed Chances Prove Costly
The Premier League champions began the match with confidence and energy, dominating possession and forcing Al Hilal onto the back foot in the early stages. Their pressure paid off in the 9th minute when Bernardo Silva bundled in the opener from close range after a scrappy build-up inside the box.

Moments earlier, defender Ruben Dias missed a golden opportunity to put City ahead with a free header from just six yards out. It was a sign of what was to come—City created chances, but failed to capitalize consistently.

Al Hilal’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was in exceptional form, producing a string of top-class saves to deny Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, and Jack Grealish as City sought to double their advantage before halftime. The score remained 1–0 at the break, despite City’s heavy dominance.

Al Hilal Flip the Script in Second Half
The second half began with a shock to Guardiola’s side. Just minutes in, Al Hilal found an equaliser when Marcos Leonardo nodded in following a chaotic scramble in City’s penalty box. The Saudi side, buoyed by the goal, began to grow in confidence.

Only five minutes later, Malcom stunned the crowd by adding a second goal, curling the ball into the net after a swift counter-attack. In just a short span, City had gone from leading to trailing—a scenario few could have predicted given their early control.

City responded quickly. Erling Haaland, who had been tightly marked all evening, found space from a corner and stabbed the ball home to level the match at 2-2. The goal reignited hopes for City, but both teams were unable to break the deadlock in regulation time, forcing the match into extra time under the humid Florida conditions.

Extra-Time Drama Seals City’s Exit
Extra time provided no relief for the European champions. Kalidou Koulibaly, a towering presence in Al Hilal’s defense, rose highest to head home from a corner, putting the Saudi side 3–2 ahead. It was a moment of brilliance and physical dominance from the Senegalese defender.

City, refusing to back down, brought on Phil Foden, and the English midfielder made an instant impact. Just minutes after Koulibaly’s goal, Foden pounced on a rebound and slotted in the equaliser, bringing the score to 3–3 with time still left on the clock.

However, Al Hilal were not done. In the 112th minute, Marcos Leonardo, already on the scoresheet, delivered the killer blow. He scrambled the ball over the line following a mix-up in the City defense to grab his second goal of the night—and what proved to be the match-winner.

Despite a late surge from Manchester City, Al Hilal held firm to seal one of the biggest upsets in recent Club World Cup history.

What’s Next?
For Manchester City, this loss raises questions about depth, fatigue, and tactical vulnerability in knockout-format competitions. Guardiola, known for his emphasis on control and precision, will be left to ponder how his side, despite dominating large portions of the match, ended up on the losing side.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal’s victory continues the rise of Saudi Pro League football on the global stage, showcasing the league’s growing competitiveness and star power. They now face Fluminense, who themselves knocked out Inter Milan, in what promises to be another thrilling quarter-final showdown.

Key Takeaways
Manchester City knocked out in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup after a 4–3 loss to Al Hilal.

Bernardo Silva, Haaland, and Foden scored for City, while Leonardo (2), Malcom, and Koulibaly netted for Al Hilal.

Yassine Bounou’s heroics in goal kept Al Hilal in the match during City’s dominant spells.

Al Hilal progress to the quarter-finals to face Brazilian side Fluminense.

This result is a significant moment for Al Hilal and Saudi football, proving they can compete with—and defeat—Europe’s elite on the global stage.