Jun 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Al Hilal FC defender Kalidou Koulibaly (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring in extra time against Manchester City during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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FIFA Club World Cup: Al Hilal Eliminate Manchester City in Extra Time After Seven-Goal Thriller

In a pulsating encounter, the Saudi Pro League side produced the upset of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 so far.

Defending champions Manchester City were sensationally knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup at the last-16 stage after a dramatic 4-3 extra-time defeat to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. City arrived in the knockout rounds unbeaten and full of confidence but were undone by a mixture of missed chances and their defensive weaknesses.

In a pulsating encounter, the Saudi Pro League side produced the upset of the tournament so far. As has been typical of their campaign, City started quickly and took the lead inside 10 minutes. Bernardo Silva swept home after a scramble in the box, despite Al-Hilal protests over a potential handball by Rayan Ait-Nouri in the build-up. City dominated the first half, with Bono making superb saves to deny Savinho, Ilkay Gundogan, and Josko Gvardiol. But City’s lack of clinical finishing would come back to haunt them in second half.

FULL-TIME | Defeat in the Round of 16.

🩵 3-4 🌙 #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/oVAqT8qQEc
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 1, 2025

Al Hilal Stun Man City in Second-Half

Al-Hilal, managed by Simeone Inzaghi, emerged revitalized after the restart. Within a minute, Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo headed in the equalizer. Just moments later, Malcom raced clear to slot past Ederson and put the underdogs ahead in a matter of 6 minutes. City responded quickly through Erling Haaland, who poked in from a corner to make it 2-2. However, the Premier League giants struggled to convert further chances, with Manuel Akanji hitting the post and Haaland seeing an effort cleared dramatically off the line.

Extra time saw Al-Hilal regain the lead when Kalidou Koulibaly powered in a header in the 94th minute. Phil Foden levelled the match once more with a clever volley from a tight angle. But it was Leonardo who sealed his brace and Al-Hilal’s historic victory as he bundled home the decisive goal in the 112th minute to spark wild celebrations.

The result means Al-Hilal progress to the Club World Cup quarter-finals, while Manchester City exit the tournament in shocking fashion. City will be rueing the missed opportunities on a night that delivered one of the most memorable matches in the competition’s history.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Al Hilal

Club World Cup

FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Manchester City

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.