Al Hilal’s Victory Resonates Worldwide
Al Hilal’s extra-time win over European champions Manchester City sparked headlines across the globe. The reaction spanned national pride, tactical scrutiny and tournament drama.
In CARMA’s latest media overview, we reveal where reactions were loudest, how key players shaped the media narrative, and what the sentiment looked like following one of the most talked-about matches of the Club World Cup.
A surge in volume and visibility
The match sparked 417,821 posts on X (Twitter) and over 19,000 online articles, confirming its place among the most talked-about moments of the tournament. Audiences responded not only to the result but also to what it represented: a growing interest in Gulf football and its expanding influence on the global stage.
One match, many angles
Media coverage across KSA, the UK, the US, Brazil, and Spain reflected a range of perspectives, from national pride and excitement to critical questions around refereeing and defensive lapses. BBC described City’s exit as a “stunned” moment. In the US, ABC News called it the “biggest upset of the tournament,” while Brazilian headlines looked ahead to what it meant for Fluminense’s path.
The report looks at where the match gained the most traction, which themes stood out, and how global sentiment evolved in the hours that followed.
In case you missed it, we also analysed Al Hilal’s earlier clash with Real Madrid, read blog here.
