Real Madrid is set to face Pachuca in a Club World Cup match at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This match marks the second encounter between the two sides, with Real Madrid having won their previous match 3-0 in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final in December 2024.

Real Madrid enters the game following a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in their opening Group H match. Pachuca, on the other hand, is aiming for a turnaround after a 2-1 defeat to RB Salzburg. For Pachuca, Bryan González scored a stunning free kick. Real Madrid's goal was scored by Gonzalo García, who became the fourth-youngest player to score in his first start for Real Madrid in all competitions since 2009-10.

The main headline surrounding Real Madrid is the health status of Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé was hospitalized with gastroenteritis and missed the Al Hilal match. Although he has been discharged from the hospital and has returned to the team's training camp, coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Mbappé will not be included in the squad for the match against Pachuca as he continues to receive specific medical treatment and will gradually return to team activity. Endrick is also out with a hamstring injury.

In terms of team news and potential lineups, Gonzalo Garcia is expected to lead the attack again, following his goal-scoring performance against Al-Hilal. Antonio Rüdiger could return to the squad, providing a boost to the defense. However, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Eduardo Camavinga are likely to remain sidelined due to injuries. Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to continue at right-back, despite a rocky debut, with Dean Huijsen partnering him in central defense.

Xabi Alonso faces a key decision in attack with the question being whether to start Rodrygo or Arda Güler. The rest of the lineup seems relatively clear, with Tchouaméni expected to anchor the midfield, supported by Bellingham and Valverde.

Pachuca will likely keep much of the same lineup that faced RB Salzburg. The team will rely on Salomón Rondón, the 2024 Concacaf Champions Best Player Award winner, to lead the attack. Other key players for Pachuca include wingers Oussama Idrissi and Kennedy. Andrés Micolta is unavailable due to a torn ACL.

Real Madrid's predicted starting lineup is Courtois (GK), Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, F. Garcia, Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Rodrygo or Güler, G. Garcia, and Vinicius Jr.