Real Madrid kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
According to our own football facts published, the Spanish giants, who finished the 2024-25 La Liga season trophyless, aim to reclaim glory in this expanded 32-team tournament, while Al Hilal, runners-up in the Saudi Pro League, look to make a statement with their star-studded squad.
Match Preview
Real Madrid enters the tournament under new manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his debut in this match following a challenging domestic season where they lost 5-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Despite their struggles, Los Blancos boast a formidable attack led by Kylian Mbappé, who broke the club’s debut-season goalscoring record, alongside Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.
In their last competitive outing, Los Blancos recorded a 2-0 home win over Real Sociedad. The game saw the men from Madrid score at least two goals for a sixth straight competitive match. However, at the other end of the pitch, the clean sheet against La Real was their only one over the same span of games.
Historically, Real Madrid have dominated Al Hilal, winning 5-3 in the 2023 Club World Cup final, though that match saw both sides exploit defensive lapses.
Al Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi, come off a strong Saudi Pro League campaign, finishing second with 78 points from 24 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses. They scored an impressive 95 goals in 34 matches, averaging nearly three per game, led by Aleksandar Mitrović (19 goals) and Salem Al-Dawsari (15). However, their AFC Champions League run ended in the semi-finals, and they were knocked out of the King Cup of Champions quarter-finals by Al Ittihad.
The Saudi side has won four of their last five matches in all competitions, showcasing their attacking prowess, but they face a step-up in quality against Real Madrid. Al Hilal’s recent form includes a 2-0 victory over Al-Qadsiah, with Mitrović and Milinkovic-Savic scoring a goal apiece.
Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last three competitive matches at neutral venues, winning two, while Al Hilal have won four of their last six away games in all competitions, drawing the other two matches.
Both teams are expected to go all-out in this Group H opener, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage. Real Madrid are favourites to top the group, but Al Hilal’s attacking firepower makes them a dangerous opponent.
Real Madrid form (all competitions):
Al Hilal form (all competitions):
Team News
Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso is likely to field a strong lineup, with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo forming a potent front three. Jude Bellingham is expected to play in the number ten role, with Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni anchoring the midfield.
However, Antonio Rüdiger is a doubt due to a knee injury, with a two-month recovery timeline potentially ruling him out for this match. If unfit, Dean Huijsen could partner David Alaba in central defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be fit to start at right-back.
Al Hilal: Simone Inzaghi’s team will rely on Aleksandar Mitrović to lead the line, supported by Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom in attack. Former Wolves star Rúben Neves is set to start in midfield, while former Manchester City full-back João Cancelo is an injury doubt. Kalidou Koulibaly will anchor the defence alongside Ali Al-Bulaihi.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Alaba, Huijsen, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé, Rodrygo
Al Hilal possible starting lineup:
Bono; Abdulhamid, Koulibaly, Al-Bulaihi, Lodi; Neves, Kanno; Malcom, Milinković-Savić, Al-Dawsari; Mitrović
We say: Real Madrid 3-2 Al Hilal
Real Madrid’s star-studded attack should give them the edge, but Al Hilal’s potent attack, led by Mitrović and Al-Dawsari, could exploit Madrid’s shaky defence. Expect a high-scoring affair, with Los Blancos’ quality in the final third likely securing a narrow victory to kick off their campaign.
