Why is Kylian Mbappe not Playing for Real Madrid Today in Club World Cup 2025?

Indian Super League Prediction

March 9 2026, 07:30 PM

Punjab

NorthEast United

Real Madrid are up against Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on Wednesday (June 18) in their first Group G match of the tournament.

This marks the debut for Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager as the Spanish giants will be aiming to make a perfect start against the Saudi Arabia club, who have been excellent in Asian football over the years.

But as a major blow to Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe is not part of the squad which is facing Al Hilal. The Frenchman has been a key part of the Real squad but misses out the first match of the Club World Cup. The former PSG player is not even on the bench and is left out entirely by the Real Madrid manager.

Why is Kylian Mbappe not Playing for Real Madrid Today?

Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of Real Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opener against Al Hilal due to a fever. The French forward missed the team's final training session and has not recovered sufficiently to feature in the match.

Head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that while Mbappé was feeling better, the medical staff advised against risking him given the hot and humid conditions in Miami-temperatures around 90°F with 75% humidity. With no other recognized centre-forward available and Endrick sidelined by injury, Madrid opted for caution, prioritizing Mbappe's recovery over his immediate involvement. If he recovers, the France international will be available for selection in the next match.

Trent Alexander-Arnold makes Real Madrid debut

The starting lineup for Real Madrid features debutant Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose £10.7 million transfer from Liverpool is expected to make a huge impact for the Spanish giants. Apart from that, another new signing, Dean Huijsen, also starts for Los Blancos, who joined the club from another Premier League side, Bournemouth.