FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Real Madrid’s Potential Path to the Final

Real Madrid topped Group H and secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a commanding 3–0 win over RB Salzburg in a chilly Philadelphia.

Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos switched to a back-three formation for their final group-stage match—a tactical shift that paid off handsomely. The new setup brought out the team's most cohesive performance of the tournament and showcased Trent Alexander-Arnold’s best display so far.

However, tougher challenges await Alonso's side as they prepare for the round of 16, where the competition will only grow fiercer.

How Real Madrid Could March to the Club World Cup Final

Real Madrid’s Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 opponent

If Real Madrid want to claim their sixth Club World Cup title—a feat that would set a new record—they will need to rise to the challenge. Their knockout stage campaign begins with a high-stakes clash against Juventus, who finished second in Group G. Despite a strong start, scoring nine goals across their first two matches, Juventus fell 5–2 to Manchester City on Matchday 3, costing them the top spot.

These two European giants have met 21 times since their first encounter in the 1961–62 European Cup quarterfinals. In their most recent showdown seven years ago, Juventus earned a dramatic 3–1 victory in Madrid, but it wasn't enough to overturn the aggregate score, and Real Madrid advanced to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Real Madrid Club World Cup 2025 Possible quarterfinals opponent

If they prevail in Miami, the Club World Cup quarterfinals could mirror the 2024 Champions League final. Borussia Dortmund are a much different side from the one that lost 2–0 at Wembley two seasons ago.

After Nuri Şahin’s brief and ultimately unsuccessful spell in charge, former Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovač took the reins. He’s enjoyed a promising start to his tenure.

While Dortmund did top Group F to reach the Champions League round of 16, their performances were far from dominant. If they advance, a showdown between the Bellingham brothers could be on the cards. On the other hand, should Mexican side Monterrey pull off an upset against Dortmund, veteran defender Sergio Ramos may get a chance to face his old club once more.

Real Madrid Club World Cup 2025 semi-finals opponent

Real Madrid’s potential semi-final opponent could be either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain. PSG are expected to overcome Inter Miami in the Round of 16, while Bayern should be strong enough to get past Flamengo. That would set up a quarter-final clash between the French and German giants, with the winner going on to face Los Blancos in the semi-finals.

Real Madrid Club World Cup 2025 final opponent

If the Spanish team reaches the final, they could face a top contender from the other side of the draw—possibly Manchester City. Inter Milan is also in the mix, but we're giving the edge to the English side, especially after they became the only European club to win all their group stage matches. A showdown between Los Blancos and Man City in the 2025 Club World Cup final would be a thrilling clash of champions.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports