Real Madrid will take on Mexican side Pachuca in a must-win FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage match on Sunday, June 22, at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, USA.
With Red Bull Salzburg leading Group H, both Madrid and Pachuca are under pressure to secure three points to boost their knockout round hopes.
Kick-off Time:
- 3:00 PM EDT (Charlotte)
- 12:00 PM PST
- 7:00 PM GMT
- 9:00 PM CEST
Madrid Without Mbappé, But Vinicius and Bellingham Step Up
Real Madrid will be without star forward Kylian Mbappé, who is recovering from gastroenteritis. The Frenchman has not trained since last Sunday and remains doubtful for the remainder of the group stage.
In his absence, Gonzalo Garcia is expected to lead the line once again, supported by Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, who remain crucial to Madrid’s attacking threat.
Xabi Alonso’s Tournament Debut as Manager
This match marks Xabi Alonso’s second game in charge after Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Al Hilal in their opening match. Valverde’s missed penalty cost them victory, raising the stakes for this fixture.
Pachuca’s Challenge
Pachuca lost their first game 2-1 to Red Bull Salzburg. Despite a strong showing from Bryan Gonzalez, they were unable to overcome goals from Oscar Gloukh and Karim Onisiwo.
Veterans Salomon Rondon and Kenedy are expected to lead the line again for the Mexican side.
Probable Lineups:
Real Madrid Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, F. Garcia
- Midfielders: Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham
- Forwards: Rodrygo, G. Garcia, Vinicius Junior
Pachuca Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Moreno
- Defenders: Rodriguez, Bauermann, Pereira, Gonzalez
- Midfielders: Montiel, Pedraza, Palavecino
- Forwards: Dominguez, Rondon, Kenedy
Injury Updates:
- Real Madrid: Endrick (hamstring), Ferland Mendy, Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, and Camavinga are out or doubtful. Antonio Rudiger may return.
- Pachuca: No new injuries reported; an unchanged squad is expected.
Head-to-Head Recap
The two clubs last met in December 2024 in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final, where Real Madrid won 3-0 with goals from Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior.
Club World Cup Legacy
Real Madrid are five-time FIFA Club World Cup winners and recently lifted the Intercontinental Cup against Pachuca. They qualified by winning the 2022 and 2024 UEFA Champions League titles.
Implications of the Match
A win for either team would keep them in the hunt for a spot in the next round, while a loss could end their Club World Cup hopes early.
