Al-Hilal fly the flag for Asia in Club World Cup

Al-Hilal beat Mexican side Pachuca 2-0 in their final group stage match in Nashville, Tennessee on June 26, 2025. (Reuters)
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Updated 27 June 2025
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Al-Hilal fly the flag for Asia in Club World Cup

  • Riyadh footballers through to tournament knockout stages after win in their last group match

NASHVILLE, Tennessee: Al-Hilal will be the sole representatives from Asia in the knockout stages of football’s glittering Club World Cup in the US.

The Riyadh club held Real Madrid to a draw in their opening match and won a decisive clash with Pachuca of Mexico in their last group-stage game, to ensure finishing second behind the Spanish giants and progressing to the last 16 of the tournament.

All but three of the teams through to the final stages are from Europe and South America. The exceptions are Al-Hilal, Monterrey from Mexico, and Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi leads a side filled with former Barcelona stalwarts.

Egypt’s Al-Ahly and Tunisia’s Esperance brought plenty of fans to create atmosphere in the large US stadiums, but went home disappointed. “The moment you drop a little bit your level against this quality of opponents, you pay a price,” Al-Ahly coach Jose Riveiro said.

“But the players had the opportunity to showcase their talent and a fantastic platform to do it. It’s a special occasion, for sure.”


Pitbull confirmed as headline act for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Saturday concert

Updated 09 February 2026
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Pitbull confirmed as headline act for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Saturday concert

  • The Grammy Award-winning global superstar will perform on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Main Stage on April 18

JEDDAH: Pitbull has been confirmed as the headline act for the post-qualifying concert at this year’s Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, organizers announced on Sunday.

The Grammy Award-winning global superstar will perform on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Main Stage on April 18, as part of the three-day race weekend running from April 17–19.

Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, is one of the most commercially successful artists of his generation, with billions of streams worldwide and numerous gold and platinum certifications.

The American artist remains a major touring draw, having completed sold-out arena runs across Europe and Australia in 2025. In January, he announced his “I AM Back Tour” in the US following a series of sold-out shows globally.

Pitbull’s appearance adds to a star-studded entertainment lineup for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. Shakira and Kygo have already been confirmed as headliners for the post-race concert on Sunday, April 19.

Promoted by the Saudi Motorsport Co., the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become one of F1’s standout events since joining the calendar, with the Jeddah Corniche Circuit holding the distinction of being the fastest street circuit in the championship.

The night race is staged along the Red Sea coastline and combines high-speed racing with large-scale live entertainment.