The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place from June 14 to July 13 in the United States, is shaping up to be one of the most significant and controversial tournaments in recent memory. For the first time, the competition has expanded from a seven-team knockout format to a full 32-team tournament, aligning more closely with the structure of the FIFA World Cup. This expansion is expected to deliver a month-long spectacle, with the event also serving as a key test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S.

Real Madrid, one of the most successful club in Club World Cup history with five titles, enters this new format under the guidance of manager Xabi Alonso, who replaces Carlo Ancelotti. This marks the beginning of a new era for Los Blancos, as Alonso aims to steer the team to more international glory.

Real Madrid squad for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

  • Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, Sergio Mestre
  • Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lucas Vazquez, Fran Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Dean Huijsen, Yusi, Jacobo Ramon, Raul Asencio, Diego Aguado
  • Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos, Chema Andres, Mario Martin
  • Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim Diaz, Gonzalo Garcia, Victor Munoz

New manager, new challenges for Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Real Madrid manager follows a period of transition after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, who led the club to multiple successes but saw his final season marred by a trophyless campaign and an early exit from the Champions League. Despite this, Ancelotti’s legacy at the club remains secure, with his influence stretching over two successful spells.

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Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder and title winner with Bayer Leverkusen, steps into a team that remains one of the strongest in Europe. However, he faces a significant challenge in balancing the squad’s attacking talent with its defensive needs. The addition of Kylian Mbappé, one of the world’s most sought-after forwards, adds another layer of complexity. The Frenchman’s arrival has forced Jude Bellingham, one of Real’s star players, into a deeper midfield role, disrupting the team’s previous tactical balance.

Mbappé’s Impact

Despite finishing as La Liga’s top scorer with 43 goals last season, Mbappé’s integration into the team was not without difficulties. The forward’s presence has shifted Bellingham’s role, while the attack-heavy setup has left the midfield lacking in balance. Alonso will need to navigate this challenge as he seeks to return Real Madrid to their fluid, free-flowing best.

Moreover, veteran midfielder Luka Modric’s expected departure after the Club World Cup adds another layer of complexity to Alonso’s midfield plans. With the loss of Modric’s vision and poise, Alonso will need to lean on the emerging talents in the squad, such as Bellingham, Camavinga, and Tchouameni, to maintain control in the middle of the park.

A strong legacy to uphold

Real Madrid’s legacy in the Club World Cup is unrivaled, with five titles under their belt, including victories in the competition’s previous formats. The team’s most recent win came in 2023 under Ancelotti’s leadership, when they triumphed over Al Hilal in the final. That victory, however, came in the last edition before the tournament’s rebranding to a 32-team event. As Real Madrid look to continue their dominance in this revamped competition, Alonso will be expected to lead the side to another title.