Real Madrid Faces Juventus in FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 in Miami

Real Madrid is set to face Juventus in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at the Hard Rock Stadium, with a kickoff at 3 p.m. ET. New coach Xabi Alonso, aiming to avoid his first defeat in charge, faces key lineup decisions, particularly regarding Kylian Mbappé, who recently recovered from acute gastroenteritis and is expected to feature only in the second half. Alonso is likely to retain a three-man defense, utilizing players like Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Dean Huijsen, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran García will operate as wing-backs. The midfield will include Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Güler, with the promising young striker Gonzalo García starting upfront in place of Mbappé. Both Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão have returned to the squad from injury but are unlikely to start, while four players remain sidelined. Real Madrid, the current record holder with five Club World Cup titles, has shown strong form in the group stage and will look to continue their pursuit of a sixth title against a stabilized Juventus side under Igor Tudor.