Alonso, Inzaghi Make Club World Cup Debuts

Real Madrid launch a new era under head coach Xabi Alonso as they face Al-Hilal in their FIFA Club World Cup opener at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. Alonso, joining after a title-winning run at Bayer Leverkusen, fields new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold for their debuts. With Kylian Mbappe potentially sidelined by illness, Gonzalo García is set to start alongside Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. Al-Hilal, managed for the first time by ex-Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi, bring a formidable lineup featuring several former European league stars. Both squads are adapting to Miami's intense heat, with Madrid players expressing optimism about Alonso's leadership and the new arrivals. The match is seen as an important test for both coaches and squads as they begin their respective tenures.