These two clubs met for the very first time in last December's FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final in Doha. Real Madrid comfortably ran out 3-0 winners that night, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior, you may have heard of them, at Lusail Stadium.
Real Madrid vs Pachuca preview
After neither were victorious in their respective Club World Cup openers on Wednesday, it is imperative for both to pick up three points at Bank of America Stadium. Real Madrid, the record five-times winners of this competition, could only commence their quest for yet more silverware with a draw against Al-Hilal in Miami. Youngster Gonzalo García fired los Blancos in front in South Florida, only for the Saudi side to equalise mere moments later; Raúl Asencio conceding a penalty. They were presented with a golden opportunity to win it late on, Facundo Tello pointing to the penalty spot following a dubious handball, but Fede Valverde's attempt was saved, as the points were shared.
Thus, Xabi Alonso was forced to settle for a draw in his first match in charge of los Blancos, hoping the only way is up from here. Now though, los Blancos are under pressure to pick up three points in North Carolina, or they could be on the brink of an unthinkable group stage elimination.
As for Pachuca, they're yet to get off the mark, beaten 2-1 by RB Salzburg in Ohio on Wednesday. Following a 97 minute weather delay in Cincinnati, Bryan González equalised for Tuzos straight after the restart, but it was the Austrian side who found the winner later on.
Like their opposition, Pachuca have a new man in charge following a disappointing season, with Jaime Lozano's new team in need of a result against Real Madrid to stay alive in this tournament, which is not a good place to be. The Spanish giants are expected to cruise to victory in Charlotte.
Real Madrid vs Pachuca head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 1.
- Real Madrid Wins: 1. Draws: 0. Pachuca Wins: 0.
Real Madrid team news
The headline news is that, after not featuring in the squad against Al-Hilal, the club confirmed the next day that Kylian Mbappé had been hospitalised with gastroenteritis, putting his participation in the rest of the tournament in doubt. First and foremost, we with the Frenchman the best.
In his place, having scored on Wednesday, Gonzalo García could continue to lead the line, having made just seven senior appearances, totalling 168 minutes, to date.
Xabi Alonso is still short of defensive options, given that Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal all remain sidelined. As a result, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen were thrown in for their debuts on Wednesday while, having been hooked at half time in Miami, Raúl Asencio could drop out here, with Aurélien Tchouaméni filling in at the back.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Pachuca: (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Tchouaméni, García; Valverde, Modrić, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinícius, Gonzalo García.
Real Madrid player to watch vs Pachuca
Vinícius Júnior scored 21 goals this season to date, one of which came against Pachuca in December, so will he net against the Liga MX outfit again?
Pachuca team news
It'll be interesting to see if Jaime Lozano changes his lineup following defeat to RB Salzburg, with forward John Kennedy amongst those hoping to come into the XI.
Pachuca predicted lineup vs Real Madrid: (4-3-3): Moreno; Rodríguez, Bauermann, Pereira, González; Pedraza, Montiel, Palavecino, Domínguez, Kenedy; Rondón.
Pachuca player to watch vs Real Madrid
Salomón Rondón has scored 36 goals in 68 appearances since joining the Tuzos, on target against Botafogo at last year's Intercontinental Cup, so could he be the hero in Charlotte?
Real Madrid vs Pachuca prediction
As was the case when this pair met just six months ago, we're fully expecting Real Madrid to cruise to victory in North Carolina, thereby getting their campaign up and running: Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca.
Real Madrid vs Pachuca FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Real Madrid vs Pachuca FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Real Madrid vs Pachuca FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Real Madrid vs Pachuca FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Real Madrid vs Pachuca FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Real Madrid vs Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Real Madrid vs Pachuca takes place on Sunday 22 June 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).