Real Madrid faces Al Hilal in their first match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage. Fans expect to see Kylian Mbappe in action.
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 may have to begin that quest without their brightest star, Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe is in doubt for the opening match after missing the final training session today 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 its fans, the issue is not injury-related. However, the 26-year-old began feeling unwell on Tuesday, leading to a precautionary absence from the training session yesterday.
“Kylian was feeling a bit better, but not well enough,” Alonso said in a press conference on June 17. “It’s better that he didn’t go out to train. We’ll wait until the last moment for him, we’ll decide tomorrow. Rüdiger had an incredible recovery, he’s the first; the idea is that he’ll surely be ready for the second game. The others need a bit more time,” he explained.
If cleared, Mbappe could feature from the bench rather than start, depending on how he feels. His potential absence in Real Madrid’s starting lineup against Al Hilal would be 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 wins 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.
From: bolavip.com
