Real Madrid begin their highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign today against Al Hilal in the opening match of Group H at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. With a new format introducing a three-match group stage, every result carries weight and the stakes are high for Xabi Alonso, who makes his managerial debut with Los Blancos.
Los Blancos start the tournament looking forward to adding another trophy to their cabinet. They are the most decorated team in FIFA Club World Cup history, having clinched the trophy five times under the previous format (2014, 2016–18, 2022).
In that sense, they stand alone at the top of the finals leaderboard: five appearances, five wins, boasting the best winning percentage of any club to reach multiple finals. However, this time the road to the final is longer and it will start with the match against Al Hilal, who won the 2021 AFC Champions League. Check out the potential scenarios for today’s match.
What happens if Real Madrid defeat Al Hilal?
A victory in their first group stage match would give Madrid the ideal start. Three points would place them at the top of Group H, ahead of Mexican side Pachuca and Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, who play later this week.
Xabi Alonso starts his ternure as Real Madrid’s head coach (Getty Images)
A win would not only solidify their position as group favorites but also significantly ease the pressure heading into their remaining fixtures. With the result, Madrid would then only need a draw or another win from their next two matches to secure qualification for the Round of 16, likely facing the runner-up from Group G, which includes Manchester City and Juventus.
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What happens if Real Madrid and Al Hilal draw?
A draw leaves Group H wide open. Madrid would share second place with Al Hilal, at least temporarily, pending the Pachuca vs Salzburg result. One point keeps them alive, but it heightens the importance of their next two games.
Alonso’s men would be under more pressure to deliver wins against both Pachuca and Salzburg, as only the top two from each group progress. With goal difference and head-to-head results often determining advancement in tight groups, dropped points early on could have important implications.
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What happens if Real Madrid lose vs Al Hilal?
A loss would be a blow to Madrid’s campaign. The path to the knockouts would become more complex. They’d likely need to win both remaining matches, and possibly rely on goal differential or favorable results elsewhere to advance. The pressure on Alonso would increase, especially considering the club’s pedigree and expectations coming into the tournament.
More than anything, a loss would embolden Madrid’s rivals and shake confidence in what is supposed to be a trophy run. While not fatal, it would put their tournament hopes on thin ice just days into the competition.
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No matter the result, today’s match will help define the tone of Group H—and potentially Real Madrid’s entire Club World Cup journey. For a club that measures success in silverware, Real Madrid will know that anything short of victory in Miami adds to their pressure.
