FIFA Club World Cup 2025:? Xabi Alonso is set for his first competitive game as Real Madrid boss when Los Blancos face Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal in their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opener. The match will be held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, and marks Madrid¡¯s debut in Group H.
Real Madrid qualified for the tournament after winning the UEFA Champions League titles in 2022 and 2024, most recently beating Borussia Dortmund to lift their 15th European crown. Al Hilal, meanwhile, booked their Club World Cup spot by winning the 2021 AFC Champions League, defeating Pohang Steelers 2-0 in the final.
All eyes will be on Mbappe, who enters the competition on the back of a stunning La Liga season, and Real Madrid¡¯s new signings Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen, both of whom could debut in this fixture.
?Xabi Alonso won¡¯t have a full squad available. Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga, Mendy, and Endrick are all out injured. Rudiger is also doubtful after knee surgery.?But there¡¯s plenty of firepower still available. Mbappe leads the front line, with Bellingham and Tchouameni likely starting in midfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen could make their debuts.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Courtois (GK), Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia, Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappe
?Al Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi is expected to stick with his trusted 3-5-2 setup. He has a full-strength squad available and will rely on his experienced stars to challenge the European giants.
Former Sevilla keeper Bono starts in goal, while Cancelo and Koulibaly bring star power to the backline. Serbian striker Mitrovic will be the main threat up front, supported by the ever-dangerous Malcolm and Al-Dawsari.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Bono (GK), Tambakti, Koulibaly, Al-Bulayhi, Cancelo, Kanno, Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, S. Al-Dawsari, Malcolm, Mitrovic
This match kicks off a new chapter for Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso and gives Al Hilal the perfect platform to test themselves against the best. Expect fireworks under the Miami lights.