Real Madrid will look to extend their international dominance when La Liga’s most successful club crosses the Atlantic Ocean for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has been the premier force in European football for generations and is one of two teams from the Spanish top-flight, alongside rivals Atletico Madrid, competing in the event.
While Los Blancos have not been as consistently brilliant as anticipated with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, they are still viewed as a heavyweight contender.
But how did they secure their spot in the revamped Club World Cup, set to take place across the United States between June and July this year? Here’s what you need to know.
How did Real Madrid qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
Real Madrid is among twelve European teams participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, qualifying as one of the last three winners of the UEFA Champions League. They are the only club to have won Europe’s biggest club prize twice during the four-year cycle used to determine qualifications. Real Madrid triumphed in the 2022 final against Liverpool and replicated that success two years later in the 2024 final, defeating Borussia Dortmund.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Real Madrid schedule
Real Madrid has been drawn into Group H, alongside Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), and Red Bull Salzburg (Austria). To advance to the knockout stages, they must first successfully navigate this initial stage where the top two teams from each group qualify.
| Date | KO (Local) | Fixture | Venue |
|————|—————— |——————————— |———————————–|
| June 18 | 3:00 p.m. EDT | Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens |
| June 22 | 3:00 p.m. EDT | Real Madrid vs. Pachuca | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte|
| June 26 | 9:00 p.m. EDT | Red Bull Salzburg vs. Real Madrid | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
When is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup begins on Saturday, June 14, with Inter Miami taking on Al Ahly FC at Hard Rock Stadium. The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 13, at MetLife Stadium.
Group Stage: Saturday, June 14 – Thursday, June 26
Round of 16: Saturday, June 28 – Tuesday, July 1
Quarter-finals: Friday, July 4 – Saturday, July 5
Semi-finals: Tuesday, July 8 – Wednesday, July 9
Final: Sunday, July 13
How many teams are playing at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
A total of 32 teams will compete in the Club World Cup, with all international federations represented. Inter Miami has also been granted a place in the tournament due to the United States being the host nation.
