Real Madrid continue their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on Sunday when they take on Mexico’s Pachuca in Group H action at the Hard Rock Stadium. With both sides needing points to remain in contention for the knockout stage, this clash is set to be pivotal.
Match Overview
Los Blancos began their Club World Cup journey with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal, with a lack of cutting edge costing them all three points. Xabi Alonso’s side currently sit second in Group H and cannot qualify just yet, but a win would put them on the verge of the last 16.
Pachuca, meanwhile, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Red Bull Salzburg and now find themselves at the bottom of the group. A second straight loss would knock them out of the competition, making Sunday’s clash a must-win.
Team News
Real Madrid
Star forward Kylian Mbappe is unlikely to feature after being hospitalized earlier in the week due to gastroenteritis. He has since been discharged but remains a major doubt. Antonio Rudiger is close to a return but may not be risked, while Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga are still sidelined. Ferland Mendy and Endrick did not travel with the squad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen are both expected to retain their spots in defense after debuting against Al-Hilal, while teenager Gonzalo Garcia is likely to lead the line once again.
Pachuca
Manager Jaime Lozano is expected to stick with the same XI that lost to Salzburg. Veteran striker Salomon Rondon, who scored 17 goals during the last campaign, will spearhead the attack alongside Kenedy, the former Chelsea winger now on loan from Valladolid.
Tactical Review
Real Madrid, under Alonso, continue to emphasize a possession-heavy style but have lacked fluidity in the final third, especially without Mbappe. Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior will shoulder the attacking burden, with Alexander-Arnold expected to provide added width and set-piece threat.
Pachuca typically play with intensity and quick transitions, using Kenedy and Rondon as focal points. They’ll look to sit deep and hit Madrid on the counter, capitalizing on any defensive instability.
How to Watch
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM WAT (7:00 PM BST / 2:00 PM local time) on Sunday, June 22, 2025. It will be streamed globally on FIFA+ and shown on major broadcasters in Spain, Mexico, and the US.
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Pachuca
This could be a close encounter, with Pachuca capable of asking questions defensively. But Real Madrid should edge it thanks to the individual brilliance of players like Vinicius and Bellingham, despite their injury setbacks. Expect a tighter game than many predict, but one that keeps Madrid’s tournament hopes alive.