Real Madrid face Salzburg on Matchday 3 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage, with both clubs aiming for a decisive win to secure advancement without complications. With high stakes and little room for error, both sides will need their top players available—yet one major question remains for Madrid supporters: Will Kylian Mbappe be fit to play?
Madrid come into this clash after a tense 1–1 draw against Al Hilal that left their qualification hopes hanging in the balance. Under newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos have yet to fully find their rhythm. They opened their campaign with a convincing 3–1 victory over Pachuca, but even that performance left lingering questions regarding their defensive stability and attacking cohesion.
On the other side, Salzburg arrive with growing momentum. The Austrian club edged Pachuca 2–1 thanks to a late winner from Karim Onisiwo just 12 minutes from time. They also held Al Hilal to a goalless draw in a gritty display. Salzburg understand the magnitude of this final group-stage match and will need to play with full intensity to challenge Madrid for a top spot.
Will Mbappe be available?
Real Madrid will once again be without Kylian Mbappe, who has been ruled out of the squad for the third consecutive match. His absence has become a growing concern among fans, especially with knockout-stage implications on the line. Despite his importance to Madrid’s offensive setup, the coaching staff has chosen not to risk him in this decisive fixture.
The French forward has been sidelined throughout the Club World Cup due to a stomach illness accompanied by fever, which kept him out of competitive action in recent days. While his condition has improved significantly, Madrid’s medical team remains cautious and has opted to preserve him for the knockout rounds.
Mbappe has already returned to full training alongside his teammates, signaling that he should be available for the Round of 16. The decision to rest him reflects Madrid’s long-term strategy—ensuring he is fully fit for the latter stages of the tournament, where his presence will be crucial in their pursuit of yet another international title.
Real Madrid’s confirmed starting XI
Without Mbappe, Madrid will field the following starting lineup: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia; Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham; Arda Guler, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior.
With the group standings tightly contested, this final group-stage match could define the trajectory of both clubs moving forward. Expect a high-tempo clash as Madrid seek to assert their pedigree and Salzburg aim to pull off a statement result.