Real Madrid’s dreams of a flying start at the FIFA Club World Cup could face an early setback, with star forward Kylian Mbappe now a major doubt for their opening match against Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal. The French striker missed training on Tuesday after falling ill with a high fever, casting uncertainty over his availability for the highly anticipated clash.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso is set to make his managerial debut for Los Blancos.
Mbappe’s Illness Disrupts Madrid’s Plans
Real Madrid confirmed that Mbappe had been dealing with a high fever, and head coach Xabi Alonso addressed the issue during his pre-match press conference.
“Kylian was a bit better this morning, but he was not fully fit, so we thought it would be best for him to skip training,” Alonso said. “Let’s see how it evolves, and we’ll make a last-minute decision.”
With Mbappe being the only fit and available centre-forward in the Madrid squad, his absence would force Alonso into a tricky tactical adjustment in what is already a pressure-packed debut for the former midfield maestro.
JUST IN: Kylian Mbappé is NOT training due to a fever. [RMTV] pic.twitter.com/mbYqVeuxCc
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 17, 2025
Endrick Ruled Out, Madrid Short on Options Up Front
Real Madrid’s options in attack are looking thin. Brazilian prodigy Endrick, who recently signed from Palmeiras and had been tipped as Mbappe’s understudy, didn’t travel with the team after suffering a leg muscle injury in a La Liga clash against Sevilla.
That leaves Alonso with a shortage of out-and-out strikers. Wingers like Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. may need to shift centrally, or Madrid could opt for a false nine system — a tactic used occasionally during the Carlo Ancelotti era.
Mbappe’s Red-Hot Form Before Illness
Mbappe has been the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s attack since his sensational summer move from Paris Saint-Germain. He has already netted 31 goals in La Liga, quickly becoming a fan favorite at the Bernabeu.
His pace, finishing, and link-up play have elevated Madrid’s frontline and filled the void left by Karim Benzema. For Alonso, not having Mbappe in the squad for his first game in charge would be a huge blow — both in terms of firepower and morale.
Alonso’s First Test on the Big Stage
Xabi Alonso is no stranger to big games, but Wednesday’s fixture marks his first in charge of Real Madrid’s senior team. After impressing with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, the Spanish tactician now faces the challenge of maintaining Madrid’s dominance on the world stage.
During the pre-match briefing, Alonso emphasized the importance of teamwork, especially defensively, regardless of who starts.
“Defensive work is important. It’s one of the tasks we need to address in the short term, and in the long term, it will be decisive for our success,” he said.
That message might come in handy against a highly motivated Al Hilal side, who will look to exploit any early-season disorganization in Madrid’s setup — especially if Mbappe is sidelined.
Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Pedigree
Los Blancos enter the tournament as firm favorites. They’ve won five UEFA Champions League titles in the last 10 years and have turned that continental success into global dominance at the Club World Cup. Madrid have lifted the trophy five times already, the most by any team in the competition’s history.
Now, they’re looking to add another title to their ever-growing collection — this time under the leadership of a new manager and with a refreshed squad blending experience and youth.
Al Hilal Ready to Test the Giants
While Real Madrid may be the giants of European football, Al Hilal are no pushovers. The Saudi side earned their spot at the Club World Cup by winning the 2021 AFC Champions League and have become a serious force in Asian football.
Backed by increased investment and top-tier coaching, Al Hilal are arriving with confidence and ambition. They’ll see Mbappe’s potential absence as an opportunity to shake things up and cause an upset on the grand stage.
Players like Malcom, Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinković-Savić bring both talent and European experience to the squad — and they’ll be eager to make a statement against one of the biggest clubs in world football.
Group F Takes Center Stage
Real Madrid and Al Hilal are joined in Group F by Mexican side Pachuca and Austrian outfit RB Salzburg. While Madrid are expected to top the group, the competition format and tight schedule mean that surprises can’t be ruled out.
With the stakes high and global bragging rights on the line, fans can expect fireworks from the very first whistle — especially in a game that might go down to the wire if Madrid are forced to play without their main man.
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