KLIK SAJA - Real Madrid are on a mission to extend their record and claim a sixth FIFA Club World Cup title as they enter this summer’s expanded 32-team tournament in the United States.
The Spanish giants—last crowned world champions in 2022—find themselves in Group H, alongside Austrian contenders Red Bull Salzburg, Saudi Arabian powerhouses Al-Hilal, and Mexican stalwarts Pachuca.
Let’s be honest: anything less than first place for Real Madrid would be a global shock. Now led by newly-appointed manager Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos possess a star-studded squad that should, on paper, cruise through all three group fixtures with maximum points.
Their biggest challenge is expected to come from Al-Hilal, who boast depth, experience, and financial muscle. However, they’ll likely settle for second place—edging out Red Bull Salzburg to secure a knockout berth.
Pachuca, meanwhile, are seen as the group’s underdogs and will face a steep uphill battle to earn any points.
After a somewhat sluggish start to life in Madrid, Kylian Mbappé exploded in the latter half of his debut season, finishing with a staggering 43 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions—22 more than his closest teammate, Vinicius Junior.
Now 26 and in red-hot form, Mbappé heads to the U.S. riding the momentum of 12 goals in his last 8 appearances for club and country, including consecutive strikes for France in the UEFA Nations League earlier this month.
Despite being overwhelming favorites to win Group H, Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities remain a lingering concern.
Since the turn of the year, they’ve conceded in 25 of 36 matches (69.4%), allowing 2 or more goals on 13 occasions—including a chaotic 5-2 Champions League win over none other than Red Bull Salzburg.
Much attention will be on how new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen slot into Alonso’s system—especially given the current injury woes in defense, with Eder Militao, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy all spending time in the treatment room.
Group H Fixtures – Club World Cup 2025
Matchday 1
• Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal – June 18
• Pachuca vs. RB Salzburg – June 18
Matchday 2
• Real Madrid vs. Pachuca – June 22
• RB Salzburg vs. Al-Hilal – June 22
Matchday 3
• Al-Hilal vs. Pachuca – June 27
• RB Salzburg vs. Real Madrid – June 27