Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid learn their group stage opponents for FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Real Madrid’s path in the 2025 Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from 15 June to 13 July, has been determined.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team has been drawn into Group H alongside RB Salzburg from Austria, Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia, and Pachuca from Mexico.
Although each opponent presents unique challenges, Los Blancos remain the favourites to top their group.
A look at the opponents
One of the group opponents, Salzburg, will also feature in Real Madrid’s current Champions League campaign.
The Austrian club is scheduled to visit the Santiago Bernabeu on 22 January for a league-phase encounter. Salzburg are considered the least threatening team in Group H, making them a potentially easier rival for Real Madrid.
🆚 Our rivals in the Group Stage of the 2025 Club World Cup!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 5, 2024
🏆 @adidasfootball | #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/5Dlka0yDH7
Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign will kick off against Al Hilal, though the exact date is yet to be confirmed.
This match rekindles memories of their 2022 Club World Cup final clash, where Madrid triumphed 5-3. Goals from Vinícius Jr., Federico Valverde, and Karim Benzema sealed the victory.
However, Al Hilal have since bolstered their squad significantly, bringing in stars like Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
These new additions make the Saudi team a far more formidable opponent this time around.
The fourth team in Group H is Pachuca, a club with whom Madrid could potentially meet in the final of the Intercontinental Cup on 18 December, provided Pachuca secures qualification.
For Real Madrid, the real test in the competition is likely to come after the group stage. In the round of 16, they could face heavyweights like Manchester City or Juventus, two favourites in Group G.
These matches could determine Madrid’s fate in their quest for yet another Club World Cup title. Despite the challenges, Ancelotti’s men remain well-equipped to go through their journey and aim for the ultimate prize.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s MVP defends Vinicius and explains his role in comeback win vs Roma: ‘What they are doing to him is unbelievable’
Endrick has delivered a passionate defence of Vinicius Jr. after a four-match suspension for the Brazilian winger sparked controversy, insisting that his teammate is being unfairly targeted.
Speaking to Movistar Plus+ after Real Madrid’s dramatic 4-3 Champions League victory over AS Roma, Endrick criticised the punishment handed to Vinicius following his sending-off against Villarreal.
The young forward also reflected on his decisive contribution to the comeback, which saw Madrid recover from 1-3 down to secure victory in the closing stages.
Endrick entered the match in the 59th minute and helped change its direction, setting up Carlos Espí’s goal with a header before scoring the equaliser.
Antonio Rudiger subsequently completed the turnaround, capping a remarkable night for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Endrick claims Vinicius is being targeted
The suspension handed to Vinicius was a major talking point after the match, with Endrick openly questioning the decision and backing his international teammate to respond positively.
“We knew it had to be two matches for a straight red card, but deep down we knew it wouldn’t be two, because what they’re doing to ‘Vini’ is unbelievable, it’s mad, and there’s no way it’s going to change.
“They’ve turned two matches into four; they’re out to get ‘Vini’, but he’s a strong lad, he’s always working hard, fighting against everything.
“He’ll be strong; when he comes back, he’ll come back in great form,” he said.
Endrick explains how he helped Real Madrid beat Roma
While his comments about Vinicius attracted attention, Endrick also played a crucial role in Madrid’s comeback.
Introduced shortly after Roma extended their lead to 3-1, the Brazilian immediately brought energy to the attack and helped the hosts regain momentum.
Reflecting on the emotions surrounding his introduction, Endrick explained how quickly his evening changed.
“I’m still caught up in the excitement of the match. It was a bit tricky – I was on the bench talking to God, and when I looked to one side, Nuno called me over.
“I didn’t think I’d be coming on so early. I came on and was able to do what I love most – play football. I feel I can help everyone, and most importantly, help Madrid win.
“When I’m no longer able to do that, I’ll be the first to leave, because being at Madrid is tough; you have to fight every day,” he explained.
Endrick POTM 🏆 #UCL https://t.co/WoPPM8TRZd
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 14, 2026
He also recalled the difficult moment when Roma scored again just as he was preparing to enter the contest.
“It was tough, because I was talking to Mou, with my head down, and when we looked up, Mallen was scoring another goal, which made the match even more difficult. But we’re Real Madrid.
“We’re going to fight in every match, and that’s what we’ve done – coming back from 3-1 to 4-3 and continuing to fight – because we’ve still got the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, La Liga and the Super Cup; we want to win them all.”
Endrick sends message about his Real Madrid future
The Brazilian also addressed his limited playing time under Mourinho, acknowledging that individual ambitions must take second place to the team’s needs.
“We don’t know; managers aren’t going to do what’s best for a player, they’re going to do what’s best for the team.
“If I have to play, Mou will put me on. It won’t necessarily be the best thing for me.
“I’ll be fighting to help the team; that’s what I’ll do throughout my entire career,” he concluded.
