Real Madrid vs Al Hilal kicks off in Miami - Xabi Alonso’s debut stirs excitement

Real Madrid kicks off its 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on June 18, marking a significant moment as Xabi Alonso debuts as head coach.

Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, takes over from Carlo Ancelotti, who recently became Brazil's coach. This match is highly anticipated as Alonso begins his tenure with the Spanish giants, who are favorites to win the tournament after securing the UEFA Champions League titles in 2021-22 and 2023-24.

Al Hilal, the reigning AFC Champions League winners, bring a formidable squad featuring stars like former Manchester City player João Cancelo and ex-Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrović. Under new Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal aims to challenge Real Madrid with a high-tempo attacking style.

This encounter is only the second between the two clubs, the first being the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final, which Real Madrid won. The match will be played at 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Match details:
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Date & Time: June 18, 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
- Real Madrid formation includes key players like Courtois, Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo.

With Real Madrid's rich history in the Club World Cup and Alonso's fresh leadership, the match promises excitement and high stakes as both teams vie for global supremacy.

Real Madrid faces Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on June 18. The match marks Xabi Alonso's debut as Real Madrid's head coach, stirring excitement. Al Hilal, Asian champions, aim to challenge the Spanish giants with a star-studded squad.