Xabi Alonso will take the reins for the first time as Real Madrid boss when the Spanish heavyweights kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Al-Hilal.
Fresh off a stellar spell at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso steps into the spotlight as Carlo Ancelotti's successor, with little time to ease into the job. It’s straight into competitive action as the five-time Club World Cup champions set their sights on global silverware once again.
Los Blancos, who’ve dominated this tournament in years past, arrive with a point to prove after a frustrating end to 2024-25. Runners-up to arch-rivals Barcelona in LaLiga, a Copa del Rey final loss, and a Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal have left Madrid hungry to bounce back.
Their first test in Group H pits them against Asia’s most decorated club, Al-Hilal, who are eager to showcase the Saudi Pro League's rising profile. The Riyadh-based side have made a statement of intent by appointing Simone Inzaghi to lead their charge on the world stage.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Al Hilal online - TV channels & live streams
The FIFA Club World Cup match between Real Madrid and Al Hilal will be available to watch and stream online live through DAZN, which is broadcasting all 63 CWC games for free globally.
Check out GOAL's Live Match Centre for updates.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
Real Madrid vs Al Hilal kick-off time
The FIFA Club World Cup match between Real Madrid and Al Hilal will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
It will kick off at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET / 8 pm BST on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Team news & squads
Real Madrid vs Al Hilal lineups
4-3-3
Formation
4-2-3-1
HILRMA-Line up
RMASubstitutes
- 13
A. Lunin
- 10
L. Modric
84’
- 17
L. Vazquez
65’
- 15
A. Guler
46’
- 26
F. Gonzalez
- 21
B. Diaz
65’
- 19
D. Ceballos
- 41
J. Fortea
- 43
D. Aguado
- 44
V. Munoz
80’
- 50
M. Martin
- 29
Y. Enriquez
- 36
C. Andres
- 31
J. Ramon
Manager
X. Alonso
HIL-Line up
HILSubstitutes
- 40
A. Abu Rasen
- 5
A. Al-Bulayhi
- 7
K. Al Ghannam
- 17
M. Al-Rubaie
- 28
M. Kanno
76’
- 99
A. Al-Hamdan
- 39
A. Hadhood
- 88
H. Al Yami
64’
- 24
M. Al-Harbi
83’
90’ + 9’
- 15
M. Al Qahtani
64’
90’ + 1’
- 78
A. Lajami
- 18
M. Al-Juwayr
83’
- 4
K. Aldawsari
Manager
S. Inzaghi
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid have brought a lengthy list of walking wounded with them to the United States, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy all making the trip despite ongoing injury concerns. That said, it's highly unlikely any of them will feature in Wednesday’s opener.
The status of Antonio Rudiger remains in the air as well, following meniscus surgery back in April. Meanwhile, teenage sensation Endrick is not expected to take part in the tournament after picking up a hamstring strain last month.
On a brighter note, Madrid fans will be eager to catch first glimpses of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, who are poised to make their debuts after summer switches from Liverpool and Bournemouth.
Up front, Kylian Mbappe is set to lead the charge. Fresh off a blistering debut season in La Liga, where he smashed home 31 goals in 34 games to claim both the Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Shoe, the French superstar will be gunning for more.
Al Hilal team news
As for Al-Hilal, Simone Inzaghi is likely to stick with his signature 3-5-2, a shape that might take some getting used to for his new squad.
Former Sevilla shot-stopper Yassine Bounou is set to start in goal, protected by a back three of Kalidou Koulibaly, Hassan Tambakti, and Ali Al-Bulayhi.
Ex-Barcelona fullback Joao Cancelo is racing to prove his fitness after missing the run-in of last season, and could be deployed in a wing-back role if cleared.
Up top, Aleksandar Mitrovic is expected to spearhead the attack, having enjoyed a prolific 2024-25 campaign with 28 goals in 36 outings.
Form
RMA-Form
RMAReal Madrid
2
-
0
Real Sociedad
W
Sevilla
0
-
2
Real Madrid
W
Real Madrid
2
-
1
Mallorca
W
Barcelona
4
-
3
Real Madrid
L
Real Madrid
3
-
2
Celta Vigo
W
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 12/7
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
HIL-Form
HILAl Hilal
2
-
0
Al Qadasiya
W
Al-Wehda
1
-
1
Al Hilal
D
Al Fateh FC
3
-
4
Al Hilal
W
Al Hilal
4
-
0
Al-Orobah FC
W
Al-Raed
3
-
5
Al Hilal
W
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 16/7
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
Head-to-Head Record
RMALast match
HIL