The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is heating up, but Real Madrid fans are gutted to learn that their star forward, Kylian Mbappé, won’t be taking the field against Pachuca on June 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This Group H showdown is a big one, and Mbappé’s absence is a hot topic. So, what’s keeping the French superstar out of this crucial match? Let’s break it down.
Kylian’s down with a rough case of acute gastroenteritisa brutal stomach bug that had him in a Miami hospital earlier this week. Word from Marca and Real Madrid’s camp is that he needed tests and some serious TLC. He’s out of the hospital now, but he’s not quite ready to run around in Charlotte’s insane 35°C heat with humidity that feels like a sauna. The guy’s human, not a machine, so the club’s playing it safe.
Mbappé’s no small loss. The guy’s been a goal-scoring machine, racking up 43 goals this season and clinching both the European Golden Shoe and La Liga’s Pichichi Trophy. Without him, Real Madrid’s attack takes a hit, especially after their lackluster draw against Al Hilal. The team’s also dealing with other injuries—Endrick’s out with a hamstring issue, and defenders like Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are sidelined. Thankfully, Antonio Rüdiger is back to bolster the defense.
Stepping up in Mbappé’s place is 21-year-old academy star Gonzalo Garcíawho scored against Al Hilal and is set to lead the line against Pachuca. Fans are also looking to Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to bring some magic. Alonso’s been clear: “Vini needs to be the difference-maker.” It’s a tall order, but this squad’s got depth.
Pachuca, fresh off a 2-1 loss to Salzburg, will be no pushover. The Mexican side, led by Salomón Rondón and managed by interim boss Jaime Lozano, is hungry for an upset. Real Madrid beat Pachuca 3-0 in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final last December, but without Mbappé and with Pachuca’s new energy, this match could be tighter.
The good news? Mbappé’s recovery is on track. Alonso hinted he could be back for the Salzburg game, saying, “We’re hopeful he’ll be ready soon.”
Ahmedabad Plane Crash
