From Alajuelense to The Club World Cup: Facundo Zabala Joins Al-Ain in Surprise Transfer

Though Costa Rica’s Alajuelense won't feature in the Club World Cup, one of their former champions will. Fútbol Centroamérica reports that Argentine left-back Facundo Zabala has signed a last-minute deal with Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates and will take part in the prestigious tournament set to begin this Sunday in the U.S.

Zabala, currently on the books at Olimpia of Paraguay, was loaned out under a special FIFA-authorized transfer window. The deal, worth $527,000, allows him to join Al-Ain solely for the duration of the Club World Cup before returning to South America. A standout for Alajuelense from 2019 to 2021, Zabala played 60 matches, scored twice, and won two major titles — the Apertura 2020 and the Concacaf League — during a period marked by the pandemic.

His signing offers a glimmer of pride for fans of the Costa Rican club, who had once hoped to see their team on this global stage. Instead, Zabala will carry the flag, facing elite competition. Al-Ain is grouped with Manchester City, Juventus, and Wydad AC of Morocco — a tough challenge and a rare showcase for the 25-year-old fullback.

With $1 billion in prize money at stake, Zabala’s unexpected call-up adds a personal twist to a tournament filled with stars, proving that in football, opportunities can appear when least expected.