The Mexican side will face Salzburg at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium in their tournament opener
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Lozano will lead his first match as Pachuca’s head coachThey share Group H with Al Hilal and Real MadridPachuca will face Spanish giants later in the group stage
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowAFPWHAT HAPPENED?
The countdown is over for Pachuca. The Liga MX side kick off their journey in the FIFA Club World Cup, taking on Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg in Group H action at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday night.
Ahead of the match, coach Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano made it clear that the team’s mindset is all-in.
“Every match is a final,” Lozano said. “We know how the format works – every point matters. You can’t wait to find your rhythm; you have to come out strong from the start and compete at your best.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The road ahead won’t be easy for Pachuca, and Lozano knows it. After opening their Club World Cup campaign against Salzburg, the Mexican side will face one of the tournament’s biggest threats: Real Madrid. Managing squad depth and energy will be key.
With a deep roster that includes both long-time contributors and new reinforcements, he’s confident his team can rise to the occasion.
“We have strong attacking options – some who’ve been with us for a while, others who are just getting used to the system,” he said. “Not everyone can start, but it’s crucial to have players on the bench who can come in, make an impact, and shift the momentum.”
AFPWHAT LOZANO SAID
While this isn’t his first taste of international football – Lozano previously coached in the Olympics, the Gold Cup, Copa América, and Nations League – he admitted this tournament seems different.
“There’s something special about this. It’s a World Cup, and the atmosphere is unique,” he said. “The cultural exchange, the excitement -it hits you the moment you arrive. The squad is motivated, and the energy is building. We’re ready.”
Lozano, who led Mexico’s U23 team to an Olympic bronze in Tokyo and won the Gold Cup with the senior national team, is now looking to bring that level of success to Pachuca.
“I’ve been through two cycles with the national team, and now my focus is on getting this group to perform at the highest level,” he said.
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Pachuca arrives at the FIFA Club World Cup as one of the most reinforced teams in the tournament, bringing in seven new players to strengthen key areas of the squad.
Among the most notable additions is Robert Kenedy, on loan from Spain’s Real Valladolid. The Brazilian winger brings top-tier experience, having previously played for Chelsea in the Premier League as well as Flamengo and Fluminense in his home country.
Agustín Palavecino joins from Liga MX side Necaxa. Known for his creativity and attacking presence, Palavecino once shined with Argentine giants River Plate and has shown flashes of brilliance since arriving in Mexican football.
From reigning Mexican champions Toluca, Andrés Pereira and Brian García both make the jump to Pachuca. Pereira is expected to reinforce the right flank, while García, a quick and dynamic fullback, will add pace and width on the wings.
In goal, Sebastián Jurado joins from FC Juárez. The young Mexican goalkeeper is one of two new faces coming in from the northern border.
Also returning to familiar territory is Avilés Hurtado, who begins his third stint with the club. Known for his flair and attacking unpredictability, Hurtado adds another weapon to Lozano’s offensive options.
Finally, Víctor Guzmán is back from Chivas, hoping to rediscover the form that once made him a fan favorite in Hidalgo. Though his time in Guadalajara was underwhelming, Pachuca offers him the stage for a fresh start.
