Real Madrid will kick off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos enter the expanded tournament as one of the clear favorites, aiming to capture a record-extending sixth title in the competition. But they’ll have to begin that quest without their brightest star, Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe has been ruled out for the opening match after missing the final training session due to illness. The club confirmed that the French forward is suffering from a fever, which sidelined him from team preparations just 24 hours before the crucial Group H opener.
Fortunately for Madrid and their fans, the issue is not injury-related, which means he could be back on Matchday 2. However, the 26-year-old began feeling unwell on Tuesday, leading to a precautionary absence from the training session yesterday.
Unfortunately, Mbappe will not even be on the bench today. His absence in Real Madrid’s starting lineup against Al Hilal is a tactical blow for Alonso, who is managing his first official match at the helm of the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid’s group at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Madrid’s Group H features Al Hilal, Mexico’s Club Pachuca, and Austria’s RB Salzburg. After the match in Miami, Real Madrid will travel to face Pachuca on Sunday in Charlotte, before concluding the group stage against Salzburg on June 26 in Philadelphia.
If Madrid win their group, they will face the runner-up from Group G—which includes Manchester City, Juventus, Wydad Casablanca, and Al Ain—in the Round of 16. A potential early knockout showdown with either City or Juventus looms if results align.
Despite the minor uncertainty surrounding Mbappe, Madrid remain heavy favorites to top Group H. But with only three matches determining progression, any disruption, like a tie or a loss, could put them in an unexpectedly difficult position.