Al-Ain ‘honored and proud’ to represent UAE at Club World Cup against Juventus, says Khalid Al-Hashemi

ABU DHABI: Al-Ain defender Khalid Al-Hashemi says it will be a privilege for the club’s players to take to the field at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Juventus in their opening fixture.

Al-Ain begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against the Italian giants in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, June 18 (4 a.m. KSA on June 19) before further Group G matches vs. Manchester City and Wydad.

Al-Hashemi, who starred in both legs of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League final and is a UAE national team defender, says Al-Ain are relishing the opportunity to test themselves at the highest level.

“Preparations are going well here in the US with the coach and the technical staff,” said the 28-year-old center-back, who wears No.16 for Al-Ain. “The opportunity to play against Juve and against City in particular is a big opportunity to learn and see how our levels are now, and if we can reach their levels and compete. We will do our best in our training sessions before the games and hopefully we can get good results.

“Our hopes are really high,” Al-Hashemi added. “We all know that we have pressure, but we want to represent Al-Ain and the UAE in the best way possible. We want to get results and show that Al-Ain are not just here (to make up the numbers) — we want to compete, we want to fight for the badge, for the flag and the country.”

The club enters the new competition with significant backing from XRG, the official sponsor of Al-Ain’s training kit during the FIFA Club World Cup, and through to the end of the upcoming season; as well as ADNOC, who will be the official sponsor of club’s first team jerseys during local matches throughout the upcoming season.

Al-Hashemi believes this backing is indicative of the support from