Real Madrid face Juventus for the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at the Hard Rock Stadium. Los Blancos are looking for a victory that will put them closer to a sixth title in the competition, and it seems like Kylian Mbappe could finally make his debut in the tournament. However, the Frenchman will have to wait for his opportunity on the bench as he’s not part of Real Madrid’s starting lineup vs. Juventus.
“Kylian is doing very well. Tomorrow morning we’ll make a decision,” said coach Xabi Alonso in a press conference ahead of the match. “It’s a big possibility that he makes his Club World Cup debut tomorrow, though. I don’t know how much, but it’s a big possibility.”
Mbappe missed the first three matches of the competition after being hospitalized due to an acute gastroenteritis. However, as he is recovered, it seems like fans could finally see him in action at some point in the second half against Juventus.
Real Madrid are coming from winning their last two matches, 3-0 against RB Salzburg and 3-1 against Pachuca, after starting their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal. After ending atg the top of the group H, now they face Juventus, who ended second in the group G, behind Manchester City, who are eliminated after losing to Al Hilal.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid (Getty Images)
As Los Blancos start a new cycle under Alonso, the match against Juventus will be a test for the new project. Without Mbappe, 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia has emerged as one of the leaders in the attack, scoring two goals and providing one assist so far.
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Real Madrid recover more players
Apart from Mbappe, other players that are fit to return to the pitch include Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, who will also be on the bench alongside Mbappe after recovering from injuries. Meanwhile, Raul Asencio is also available after serving his one-game suspension.
