Real Madrid faces Al-Hilal in Club World Cup opener with Xabi Alonso at helm

Real Madrid and Al-Hilal square off this Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Brasília time (3:00 p.m. ET), at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, USA, kicking off Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup. The match marks the debut of coaches Xabi Alonso for the Spanish giants and Simone Inzaghi for the Saudi club, promising a thrilling start to the tournament. Broadcast live on Globo, SporTV, Globoplay, CazéTV, and DAZN, the game pits the nine-time champions against a bolstered Al-Hilal side eager to make history. Real Madrid, navigating a rebuilding phase after a trophyless season, leans on new signings, while Al-Hilal’s star-studded squad aims to upset the favorites.

The matchup carries historical weight, with the teams last meeting in the 2023 final, where Real Madrid triumphed 5-3 in a goal-fest. Now, with fresh coaches and tweaked rosters, the rivalry reignites. Group H, also featuring RB Salzburg and Pachuca, is set for fierce competition, with the latter two facing off at 7:00 p.m. Brasília time at TQL Stadium in Ohio.

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Real Madrid grapples with key absences, including Carvajal, Éder Militão, Rüdiger, Mendy, and Endrick, all sidelined by injuries, but welcomes newcomers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. Al-Hilal, injury-free, boasts a formidable lineup led by Aleksandar Mitrović and João Cancelo. Fans can expect an open, tactical battle shaped by the coaches’ distinct philosophies.

• Game highlights:
• Debuts for Xabi Alonso and Simone Inzaghi with their new clubs.
• Real Madrid chases a 10th Club World Cup title; Al-Hilal seeks its first.
• Broad broadcast coverage across TV and streaming platforms.
• Historical context: a high-scoring 2023 final saw Real Madrid prevail 5-3.

👊 ¡A POR EL MUNDIAL DE CLUBES! pic.twitter.com/irZCj4rKQ4

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 18, 2025

Fresh start for Real Madrid

Real Madrid enters the tournament under new leadership following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to coach Brazil. Xabi Alonso, 43, brings credentials from an unbeaten Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24, plus German Cup and Supercup triumphs. Hired in May 2025 for a three-year deal, Alonso faces the challenge of reviving a squad that faltered last season, finishing as runners-up in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Supercup to Barcelona, and exiting the Champions League in the quarterfinals against Arsenal.

For the opener, Alonso is likely to field a lineup featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Dean Huijsen in central defense, compensating for missing veterans. With Kylian Mbappé questionable due to a fever, Rodrygo may join Vinícius Júnior and Arda Güler up top. Alonso’s high-pressing, possession-based style will face a stern test against Al-Hilal’s organized unit.

Al-Hilal’s historic ambition

Al-Hilal, the 2021 Asian champions, aims to elevate Saudi football on the global stage. Simone Inzaghi, signed in June 2025 after leaving Inter Milan, takes the reins with a hefty 26-million-euro annual salary. Replacing Jorge Jesus, who failed to retain the Saudi title, Inzaghi inherits a squad packed with European experience. The Italian, a Champions League finalist in 2024/25, faces no injury concerns and fields a robust lineup.

Anchored by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defenders Kalidou Koulibaly and João Cancelo, and striker Aleksandar Mitrović, who netted 28 goals in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League, Al-Hilal boasts the league’s top attack with 95 goals. Riding a five-game unbeaten streak, including a 4-0 rout of Al-Nassr, the team blends defensive solidity with lethal counterattacks to challenge Real Madrid.

Rivalry and past encounters

The 2023 Club World Cup final remains the only official clash between the two, a thrilling 5-3 Real Madrid victory. Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde scored twice each, with Karim Benzema adding one, while Luciano Vietto (two goals) and Moussa Marega replied for Al-Hilal. Held in Rabat, Morocco, it was the highest-scoring final in tournament history. Analysts predict another goal-heavy affair in 2025, given both teams’ attacking firepower.

• Key moments from 2023:
• Eight goals made it the most prolific final ever.
• Vinícius Júnior earned man-of-the-match honors.
• Al-Hilal fought back despite facing the heavily favored Madrid.

Expected lineups

Real Madrid’s injury-hit defense forces Alonso to rely on Alexander-Arnold, Raúl Asencio, Huijsen, and Fran García at the back. The midfield trio of Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Bellingham provides stability, while the attack hinges on Vinícius Júnior, with Mbappé or Rodrygo alongside Arda Güler. The lineup balances youth and experience for a high-stakes debut.

Al-Hilal’s probable XI features Bounou in goal, a backline of Hassan Al-Tambakti, Koulibaly, and Ali Al-Bulayhi, with Cancelo and Renan Lodi on the flanks. Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic anchor the midfield, supporting attackers Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Mitrović. The squad reflects Saudi Arabia’s blend of global and local talent.

Where to watch and match details

The Hard Rock Stadium, a 65,000-seat venue known for NFL games, hosts the match at a fan-friendly hour for Brazilian viewers. The extensive broadcast options ensure global accessibility, underscoring the game’s significance.

• Match info:
• Date: June 18, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Brasília time (3:00 p.m. ET).
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA.
• Broadcast: Globo (free-to-air), SporTV (cable), Globoplay, CazéTV, DAZN (streaming).
• Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina), assisted by Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade.

Tactical preview

Alonso’s philosophy, rooted in control and quick transitions, may adapt to a cautious defensive setup due to absent regulars. Tchouaméni could drop back to support the backline, with Vinícius Júnior’s pace targeting Al-Hilal’s flanks. Inzaghi, known for compact defenses at Inter, will likely deploy Cancelo and Lodi to stretch the field, with Mitrović as the focal point and Malcom exploiting gaps. The coaches’ prior Champions League encounters add a tactical chess match.

Group H dynamics

Group H stands out for its balance. Real Madrid, the historical powerhouse, is favored, but Al-Hilal’s investments make them a threat. RB Salzburg’s youth and Pachuca’s Concacaf pedigree add intrigue. Real Madrid’s next matches are against Pachuca on June 22 in Charlotte and RB Salzburg on June 26 in Philadelphia.

Transfer moves

The Club World Cup transfer window, closed on June 11, saw Real Madrid sign Trent Alexander-Arnold for 10 million euros and Dean Huijsen for 59 million euros to bolster defense. Al-Hilal added defenders Ali Lajami and Abdulkarim Darsi, preserving their core. These moves signal both clubs’ intent to dominate.

Spotlight on the opener

The Miami showdown is a defining moment. For Real Madrid, it’s a chance to launch a new era with a statement win. For Al-Hilal, it’s an opportunity to cement their global ambitions. With elite coaches and talent on display, the match promises high drama.