Xabi Alonso Begins Real Madrid Reign with Club World Cup Opener Against Al Hilal

Miami, June 18, 2025 – Xabi Alonso officially launches his tenure as Real Madrid head coach today, leading the Spanish giants in their FIFA Club World Cup Group H opener against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium. Alonso, 43, takes over after Real Madrid’s disappointing 2024-25 season, which saw the club fail to win La Liga or the UEFA Champions League and led to the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

Alonso’s arrival signals a new chapter for Real Madrid, with the club eager to recapture its global dominance. The coach is tasked with integrating new signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen into the squad, though limited preparation time has posed an early challenge. Alexander-Arnold, making his Real Madrid debut, highlights the club’s shift toward a more dynamic and flexible approach under Alonso.

Injury and illness concerns have complicated Alonso’s selection plans. Star forward Kylian Mbappé is a game-time decision after suffering from a fever, leaving his participation in doubt and potentially opening the door for Rodrygo to start alongside Vinícius Júnior. Meanwhile, young Turkish midfielder Arda Güler is set for a prominent role in Alonso’s 4-4-2 formation, alongside Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Federico Valverde.

Alonso’s vision centers on blending flexibility and dynamism, aiming to forge an unstoppable force in attack. However, injuries have sidelined Endrick and Ferland Mendy, further testing the squad’s depth. The new coach has emphasized the team’s motivation and optimism ahead of the tournament, despite having only three training sessions with the full group before their first match.

Real Madrid’s upcoming schedule includes matches against Pachuca on June 22 in Charlotte and Salzburg on June 26 in Philadelphia. Today’s clash with Al Hilal, who enter as Saudi Pro League champions and boast a well-balanced team led by Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Malcom, is seen as a crucial test for Alonso’s new-look side.

With the eyes of the football world on Miami, Xabi Alonso’s debut as Real Madrid boss promises to be a defining moment in the club’s pursuit of a sixth Club World Cup title.