Simone Inzaghi ‘set to lead Al Hilal at 2029 Club World Cup’

Simone Inzaghi is expected to remain as Al Hilal manager and lead the Saudi club at the 2029 Club World Cup, according to Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Al-Muraisel.

Reports had suggested that Al Hilal’s board was assessing the Italian coach’s position after defeats by Neom in the Saudi Pro League and Qatar’s Al Shamal in the AFC Champions League Elite.

However, Al-Muraisel said on Nabd Tuwaiq that the club intends to extend Inzaghi’s contract in the coming period.

The renewal had initially been expected to be announced in October, but discussions were delayed by conditions requested by Inzaghi, according to the journalist.

Al-Muraisel predicts that the agreement will be confirmed around the middle of the current season rather than being postponed until its conclusion.

He also said Inzaghi would be in charge of Al Hilal if the club secures qualification for the 2029 Club World Cup, which is due to take place in about three years.

Al Hilal have not qualified for that tournament at this stage. Al Ahly are the only club to have secured a place so far after winning the first two editions of the AFC Champions League Elite, while two editions of the competition remain the current tournament and the next one.

Inzaghi began his spell with Al Hilal at the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States. He guided the team to the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by Brazilian side Fluminense.

The Italian manager previously coached Inter Milan before taking charge of Al Hilal.

The possibility of Inzaghi remaining at the club comes after an inconsistent period for Al Hilal, with the defeats against Neom and Al Shamal prompting scrutiny of his position. Despite those setbacks, the club’s reported intention is to continue working with the former Inter Milan manager and secure a longer-term agreement.

Any confirmation of his contract extension is expected during the current season, with Al-Muraisel indicating that the announcement should not have to wait until the campaign ends.