Our first intercontinental competitive match pits us against Mexican cult club CF Pachuca. Not many of you would claim to know too much in advance about Los Tuzos – as it is time for that to change, we now want to introduce Club de Futbol Pachuca to you!

7 domestic titles

#1 | Oldest football club in Mexico with highs and lows

The club was founded in 1892 by English miners, and in 1902, Pachuca were one of the founding members of the Mexican league, winning their first title back in 1904/05. After the collapse of the mining industry, the majority of the players on that side moved to Mexico City and the club folded. It was only refounded in 1950 as Pachuca A. C. entered the second Mexican division, although this club would also be dissolved. In 1960, its current form of Club de Futbol Pachuca finally emerged.

1 Copa Sudamericana title (2006)

#2 | Base in the Queen City

The team under interim coach Jaime Lozano has set up camp for the Club World Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina, or to be precise at the university there. On Sunday 9 June, Pachuca played a friendly match in Miami against Egyptian Club World Cup participants Al Ahly, which ended 1-1 after regular time - only for the Mexicans to win on penalties.

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#3 | Unusual nickname

The nickname Los Tuzos translates as The Gophers, which may sound curious but has great symbolic meaning for players and fans. Gophers are not only found in Central Mexico but are also known for their stamina, strength and tenacity!

#4 | How did CF Pachuca qualify?

Pachuca took a 3-0 win over Columbus Crew in the final of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup to ensure their spot in the World Cup. Experienced striker Salomon Rondon netted a brace as the Mexicans secured the title. The CONCACAF Champions Cup is essentially the UEFA Champions League for clubs in North and Central America along with the Caribbean.

56 Million Euro market value according to transfermarkt.com

#5 | Ownership issues and World Cup ban

Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, there was a big Mexican team excluded in Club Leon. The reason for that was a violation of FIFA rules on ownership. Club Leon belong, just like CF Pachuca, to the Pachuca group owned by Jose de Jesus Martinez Patino. An appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) did not succeed. Pachuca, on the other hand, are able to play - with the spot vacated by Club Leon going to Los Angeles FC.

#6 | Mixed season

The Mexican league, known as Liga MX, features two separate tournaments per year - an Apertura and Clausura. Every half-year's campaign has a regular season, followed by a play-off phase called the Liguilla.

CF Pachuca finished in eighth most recently and were then knocked out by Club America in the quarter finals. At the end of May, they parted ways with their coach, Guillermo Almada.

#7 | No fear of heights

The Estadio Hidalgo, the home of CF Pachuca, lies close to 2,400 metres above altitude and is therefore the second-highest football stadium in Mexico. That is certainly a factor for away teams there. Any such issues will not be felt at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, which is just 10 metres above sea level.

With its sporting history, UNESCO-recognised stadium architecture and more - there is so much to find out about Cincinnati, Ohio, the first place our Red Bulls will be tested in during the World Cup:

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Opener against Pachuca live & for free!

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Streaming service DAZN will broadcast our match against Pachuca late on Wednesday and all other FIFA Club World Cup matches live and for free! No subscription is needed, as you just have to set up a free account.

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Everything worth knowing about the Club World Cup can be found in our Info Hub with all the details on the massive tournament.

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Opposition analysis: All you need to know about CF Pachuca