Real Madrid’s Potential Club World Cup Opponents: Key Dates and Matchups
Real Madrid’s path through the 2025 Club World Cup is starting to take shape. But before dreaming of the final, the team must first secure the top spot in their group by beating Red Bull Salzburg in the early hours of Friday (3:00 a.m. Spanish time).
Knockout Stage Outlook: Round of 16
If Madrid tops their group, they will face either Juventus or Manchester City in the round of 16. These two European heavyweights will battle in the final group match to determine who advances as group winner and who qualifies second.
A win against Salzburg is crucial, especially as Real Madrid previously demolished the Austrian side 5–0 in the Champions League group stage this season. Despite being the favorites, Xabi Alonso’s men will need to perform on the pitch to avoid any surprises.
Quarterfinal Possibilities
Should Madrid reach the quarterfinals, potential rivals include:
- River Plate or Inter Milan (Group F)
- Monterrey (Group E)
- Fluminense or Borussia Dortmund
Madrid would face the winner of the clash between the first-placed team from Group E and the second-placed team from Group F.
Semifinal Scenario: Bayern Looms
Looking further ahead, Bayern Munich appears to be the most likely semifinal opponent—provided both clubs advance through their respective knockout rounds. The German champions are widely seen as the toughest potential hurdle before the final.
But Madrid’s focus must remain on the immediate challenge: beating Salzburg and confirming their group leadership.
Group Stage Matches Still to Be Played
Several crucial group-stage fixtures remain that will influence the bracket:
- Tuesday (21:00 CEST)
- Auckland City vs. Boca Juniors
- Benfica vs. Bayern Munich
- Wednesday (03:00 CEST)
- LAFC vs. Flamengo
- ES Tunis vs. Chelsea
- Wednesday (21:00 CEST)
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD FC
- Group F Deciders
- Urawa Reds vs. Monterrey
- Inter Milan vs. River Plate
- Group G Finale (Thursday, 21:00 CEST)
- Juventus vs. Manchester City (deciding first place)
- Wydad Casablanca vs. Al-Ain (no longer relevant for qualification)
With giants like Bayern, City, and Juventus in the mix, Real Madrid’s road to the Club World Cup title is anything but easy. However, if their form holds, they remain one of the clear favorites to lift the trophy.
