Real Madrid’s focus has now firmly shifted to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, following a disappointing domestic campaign that saw them fall short in La Liga and other major competitions. With the arrival of new head coach Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid is entering a transformative phase, aiming to re-establish themselves as one of the most dominant forces in global football.
Alonso, who takes over from Carlo Ancelotti, brings with him a fresh tactical philosophy that Real Madrid fans hope will usher in a new era of success and excitement. The Club World Cup 2025 serves as the perfect platform for Real Madrid to showcase this new direction, offering a competitive environment where Alonso can experiment with new systems, refine squad chemistry, and evaluate how his tactics work against diverse international opponents.
With strategic summer signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen strengthening both flanks and the back line, Real Madrid is poised to make a statement on the world stage. This prestigious tournament is not just about silverware for Real Madrid; it’s about reasserting their status as global giants after a season of underachievement. For a club of Real Madrid’s stature, the Club World Cup is more than just a trophy—it’s a critical opportunity to regain momentum, rebuild confidence, and reinforce the identity that has made Real Madrid synonymous with success in both Europe and beyond.
Key Storylines
- New coach, new system: Xabi Alonso is expected to deploy a 3-4-3 formation, a departure from Ancelotti’s approach. This structure plans to maximize attacking fluidity while strengthening the depleted defense.
- Summer signings:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold—signed early for £10 m from Liverpool—will bring precision passing and right-flank dominance.
- Dean Huijsen, a recent Spain debutant, provides defensive reinforcement amid existing injury issues.
- Injury concerns: MariCarvajal, Militao and Camavinga remain sidelined. They may return mid-tournament, which could help Alonso’s plans.
- Bellingham’s role: Jude Bellingham is likely to operate in a deeper midfield role during the tournament before undergoing shoulder surgery.
Club World Cup Group H Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Hilal (Saudi) | June 18, 2025 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL | Al-Hilal pose major threat with talents like Mitrović, Koulibaly, Cancelo, coached by Simone Inzaghi |
| Pachuca (Mexico) | June 22, 2025 | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | Real Madrid beat Pachuca 3-0 in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup |
| RB Salzburg (Austria) | June 26, 2025 | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA | RM won 5-1 in January’s Champions League round-robin |
Why Club World Cup Matters
- Financial incentive: The winner could earn up to $135 million, which has convinced Real Madrid to fully commit to the tournament.
- Reputation rebuilding: After Primera División and Copa del Rey losses, this is a chance to reset.
- Tactical blueprint: Alonso faces the dual task of integrating his defensive and offensive stars while keeping Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé balanced.
Tactical & Team Dynamics:
- Balanced midfield: Alonso wants to reposition Bellingham deeper to maintain midfield control and protect the backline.
- Back-three solution: With injuries to regular defenders, a three-man backline featuring Huijsen and Militao may stabilize the defense.
- Creative thrust: Alexander-Arnold’s distribution will replace Toni Kroos’ role, while Modrić—potentially playing his last matches—adds experience and creativity.
- Attacking synergy: Alonso aims to harmonize Mbappé and Vinicius Jr, ensuring both flourish without exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
Goals & Expectations
- Title target: Real Madrid aims to win the Club World Cup as the first team to lift the restructured trophy.
- Team identity: Alonso wants “ambitious, active play”, connecting with fans and re-establishing excitement around Real Madrid.
- Legacy send-off: Winning would also serve as a fitting farewell to veteran Luka Modrić, completing his career with a global title.
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Final Take
With a revamped backline, new signings, and a fresh tactical approach under Alonso, Real Madrid view the Club World Cup 2025 as a launchpad for a new era. A successful tournament would restore confidence, justify their investment, and begin a competitive rebuild before the next Champions League campaign.
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