Al Hilal, Wydad and Al Ain against the giants of Europe!

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, Morocco's Wydad Casablanca, and the UAE's Al Ain are preparing for a major challenge in the FIFA Club World Cup, as they look to make a promising start to the tournament, which kicks off on Wednesday. Despite being drawn in groups that include established clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Juventus, Al Hilal, under new Italian coach Simone Inzaghi from Inter Milan, is seeking to make up for its domestic and continental failures last season, after losing the Saudi League title to Al Ittihad and failing to win the AFC Champions League, which Al Ahli won for the first time in their history. Despite this, Al Hilal faces significant challenges in Group H, which includes defending champions Real Madrid, who are looking to defend their fifth Club World Cup title, having won the Intercontinental Cup in 2024. In addition to Real Madrid, the group also includes Austrian side Salzburg and Mexican side Pachuca, making the journey even more difficult for the "Boss." Al Hilal enters the tournament without any new signings this season. Over the past two years, they have witnessed notable signings of international stars, such as Brazilian Neymar, who returned to Santos; Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves; Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic; Portuguese winger João Cancelo; and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who have all been strong additions to the squad. Meanwhile, Mexican side Pachuca, participating in the tournament for the fifth time—a national record—are looking to make a mark, opening their campaign against Salzburg, the first Austrian club to participate in the Club World Cup. Wydad Casablanca, the most decorated club in the Moroccan league with 22 titles, are looking to redeem themselves after finishing third last season. They have made a fresh start, bolstered by several important signings, in preparation for the global competition in Group G, which includes Manchester City. City enters the tournament eager to regain their strength after losing the Premier League title to Liverpool, their shock Champions League quarter-final play-off exit, and their defeat in the UEFA Cup final. In the same group, Al Ain of the UAE enters the tournament with a new identity after a difficult domestic and continental season. The club has signed eight new players in an attempt to regain its strength and seek a revival worthy of the club's distinguished history. These teams meet in a fiercely competitive atmosphere, with great ambitions to achieve historic achievements worthy of each club's name, amidst the daunting challenges that await them both in terms of their matches and the tournament as a whole.