Guillermo Almada resigns from Pachuca less than a month before FIFA Club World Cup

Guillermo Almada has stepped down as head coach of Pachuca with less than a month to go before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off. The Uruguayan manager submitted his resignation and will not lead the team during the global tournament, which begins on June 14.

Despite his departure, Pachuca emphasized that Almada remains under contract with the club until December 2026. In an official statement shared on social media, the club made it clear that any potential suitor would need to pay the $4 million release clause stipulated in his contract. This development comes amid speculation linking Almada to Cruz Azul, where he is rumored to be a candidate to replace Vicente Sánchez following the conclusion of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Almada took charge of Pachuca in late 2021, and his exit follows the team’s elimination in the quarterfinals of the Clausura 2025 tournament at the hands of Club América. His tenure included significant achievements, most notably winning the Apertura 2022 title and the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, as well as qualifying for five Liguilla appearances.

Now, with the Club World Cup looming, Pachuca face the urgent task of appointing a new manager to lead the squad against top international clubs, including Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage. Almada's departure marks the end of a successful era for the "Tuzos," as the team begins a new chapter on the international stage.

“Guillermo remains under contract with the club until December 2026. This agreement allows for an early termination of his professional relationship with the team if the release clause is paid," the club stated in an official announcement.

Pachuca will make their Club World Cup debut on June 18 against Salzburg. The team will then face Real Madrid in a highly anticipated clash on June 22, before wrapping up the group stage against Al Hilal on June 26.