The twenty-ninth in our continuing series highlighting all thirty-two clubs in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, and the first of Group H. The event kicks off Saturday, June 14th at 8pm ET.
Club Background
- From: Madrid, Spain
- How They Qualified:
- They were the UEFA Champions League winners in 2022 and 2024.
- Best CWC Finish:
- This is their seventh trip.
- They are also five-time champions (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022).
- Recent Form:
- They are completely bereft of silverware this year, but are still one of the favorites to win.
- They finished 2nd in La Liga behind Barcelona.
- Lost to Arsenal in the CL quarterfinals.
- Lost to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.
- They are completely bereft of silverware this year, but are still one of the favorites to win.
- Facts:
- Founded in 1968.
- 36% of the team are Spanish.
- They have played 61 competitive matches this season, more than any other side in the tournament.
- They average 2.2 goals scored per game.
- They won three of the seven Ballon d’Or awards last year, but boycotted the awards ceremony because Vinícius Jr. did not win the main trophy.
The Team
- Manager: Xavi Alonso
- With legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti jetting off to Brazil to take their national team in preparation for next year’s World Cup, the Real board tapped rising managerial star (and former player) Xavi Alonso to fill his shoes.
- He’ll get his first games in charge at this tournament..
- Star Players:
- So many to choose from on all sides of the pitch.
- Kylian Mbappé
- 43g/5a. Enough said.
- Vinícius Júnior
- 21g/15a. Snubbed for the Ballon d’Or.
- Midfielders Federico Valverde and Rodrygo were both in terrific form before suffering late season injuries.
- We hope they’ll both be available.
- Young Players:
- Dean Huijsen
- 20 year-old center-back who just signed from Bournemouth.
- Also a starter on the Spanish national team.
- Arda Güler
- 20 year-old Turkish midfielder.
- Mainly used as a sub, he averages 42 min per game and has 5g/8a.
- Dean Huijsen
- Training Sites:
- Gardens North County District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
When to Watch
- 3:00pm ET on Jun 18, 2025 vs. Al Hilal @ Hard Rock Stadium, Miami FL
- 3:00pm ET on Jun 22, 2025 vs. CF Pachuca @ Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- 9:00pm ET on Jun 26, 2025 vs. Red Bull Salzburg @ Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
The Hooligan Take
As five-time champs, only a fool dismisses Real Madrid in this contest. But despite having a strong squad, they made a number of high profile signings (Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold) that prove just how committed they are to winning this. Advancement from the group stage should be a virtual lock.
Other Group H Teams
- Al Hilal (AFC/Saudi Arabia)
- CF Pachuca (CONCACAF/Mexico)
- Red Bull Salzburg (UEFA/Austria)
