Real Madrid will be aiming to get their first win in Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup when they face Mexican side CF Pachuca at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 20:00 GMT.
The Spanish giants, five-time winners of the competition, opened their campaign against Al Hilal on June 18th with a 1-1 draw as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen both made their debut in the starting lineup. Pachuca, their next opponents, lost their opening game 1-2 to Austrian side FC Red Bull Salzburg as reported by our football facts.
Match Preview
Real Madrid entered the tournament as favourites, boasting a star-studded squad led by Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to spearhead their attack, but missed their group opener through illness.
Despite a trophyless domestic season, their 3-0 victory over Pachuca in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup highlights their pedigree in global competitions. Their recent form has been inconsistent, although they have won three of their last five matches across all competitions.
Los Blancos have struggled defensively, keeping just two clean sheets in their last seven games, and their away form has been inconsistent, recording three wins in their last six matches on the road. Against Pachuca, Real Madrid are unbeaten in their two previous encounters, including the aforementioned Intercontinental Cup win.
Pachuca has been underwhelming in attack recently, scoring 3 goals in their last five matches across all competitions, but they’ve conceded seven goals in those games. Their recent form includes just one win in their last six outings, showcasing their lack of form.
Under coach Jaime Lozano, Pachuca have bolstered their squad with reinforcements for the Club World Cup, though they’ve ruled out signing high-profile players like James Rodríguez or Andrés Guardado. Their high-pressing style could trouble Real Madrid, but they’ll need to be clinical against a side with superior firepower.
The Tuzos have struggled in past meetings with European giants, and their away record in international competitions is modest, with only one win in their last six matches outside Mexico. However, they have the quality that could pose a threat if Real Madrid are not at their best.
Real Madrid FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Al Hilal: 1-1 (D) 18/06/2025
Real Madrid form (all competitions):
- W (H) 2-0 against Real Sociedad (La Liga) 24/05/25
- W (A) 2-0 against Sevilla (La Liga) 18/05/25
- W (H) 2-1 against Real Mallorca (La Liga) 14/05/25
- L (A) 4-3 against Barcelona (La Liga) 11/05/25
- W (H) 3-2 against Celta Vigo (La Liga) 04/05/25
Pachuca FIFA Club World Cup form:
- FC Red Bull Salzburg: 1-2 (L) 18/06/2025
Pachuca form (all competitions):
- L (A) 2-0 against Club America (Liguilla Clausura) 11/05/25
- D (H) 0-0 against Club America (Liguilla Clausura) 08/05/25
- W (A) 2-1 against Monterrey (Liguilla Clausura) 28/04/25
- L (A) 2-1 against San Luis (Liga MX) 21/04/25
- D (H) 0-0 against Tigres UANL (Liga MX) 16/04/25
Team News
Real Madrid could be without centre-back Antonio Rüdiger, who is recovering from knee surgery and remains a doubt for the tournament’s early stages. Raúl Asencio and Dean Huijsen are likely to form the central defensive pairing. Rudiger could be joined on the sidelines due to injury by Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militão and David Alaba.
Midfielders Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are expected to anchor the engine room, with Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé leading the attack, if the latter recovers from illness. Luka Modrić started the opener on the bench. He could start here, although Aurelien Tchouaméni could continue in the centre of the pitch.
Pachuca are expected to field a strong side, with Salomón Rondón leading the line after his standout performances this season, having scored 16 times in all competitions. Midfielders Elias Montiel and Pedro Pedraza will be key in breaking up Real Madrid’s play, while wingers Kenedy and Alexei Dominguez could exploit any defensive lapses. The Tuzos have no major injury concerns but may rotate players to keep the squad fresh for their demanding group stage schedule.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
Pachuca possible starting lineup:
Moreno; Rodríguez, Pereira, Bauermann, Gonzalez; Palavecino, Montiel, Pedraza; Kenedy, Rodriguez; Rondón
We say: Real Madrid 3-1 Pachuca
While Pachuca’s high-pressing style and attacking flair could cause problems, Real Madrid’s quality and depth should prove too much. Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior are likely to exploit gaps in Pachuca’s defence, and despite their defensive vulnerabilities, Los Blancos should secure a comfortable victory.
