Will Kylian Mbappe Play for Real Madrid in Today's 2025 Club World Cup Clash Against RB Salzburg?

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In their concluding Group H encounter of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid is set to go up against RB Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA on Thursday (June 26). But the major concern for fans remains: will Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s marquee forward, feature today after skipping the previous group-stage fixture due to illness?

Real Madrid stands atop Group H with four points, marginally ahead of RB Salzburg based on goal difference. Even a draw with Salzburg would likely be enough to send them to the round of 16, while a win would lock down the group’s top position.

The 26-year-old French icon has been out with acute gastroenteritis since arriving in the U.S. for the competition. The illness kept him out of Real Madrid’s first game, a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal, as well as their 3-1 triumph over Pachuca. Mbappe was briefly admitted to a hospital in Miami on June 19 for testing and treatment but was released later that day and has since returned to the team’s base.

Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg: Is Kylian Mbappe Set to Play in Today’s CWC 2025 Game?

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso initially showed confidence about Mbappe’s progress, saying the striker was “doing better” and that the club remained “increasingly hopeful” of his return for the RB Salzburg game. Mbappe resumed full squad training on Wednesday, June 25.

Still, in spite of these encouraging updates, newer reports suggest Mbappe won’t be in action for this key group-stage closer, as caution took precedence. Mbappe said, “He’s not entirely recovered yet. After training, we discussed it and he chose to rest and heal completely before coming back. If we get to the round of 16, he’ll be ready, but right now he’s still healing and not 100% for tomorrow.”

Real Madrid’s medical team and coaching staff are also emphasizing a complete recovery to minimize any health risks, especially with the knockout phase in sight.

In Mbappe’s stead, Real Madrid has leaned on its younger talents. One such player is 21-year-old forward Gonzalo Garcia, a product of the youth setup, who has risen to the occasion, netting a goal in the Al Hilal draw and assisting in the Pachuca win. With the expected lineup remaining mostly stable, Garcia will again take Mbappe’s place in the starting XI.