Real Madrid will aim to secure the top spot in Group H as they prepare to take on RB Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field.
Following their 3-1 triumph over Pachuca, despite going a man down early due to Raul Asencio's dismissal, Los Blancos now need just a single point to confirm their place in the round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, Salzburg kept their knockout hopes alive by grinding out a hard-fought goalless stalemate against Al Hilal last weekend. The Austrians came into the tournament with plenty of doubters questioning their place in the Club World Cup, but they've done more than hold their own so far.
After edging out Pachuca 2-1 in their opener and battling to a gritty 0-0 draw with Al Hilal, the Austrian side now finds itself on the brink of a spot in the Round of 16.
A win in their final group game would punch their ticket to the next phase, no questions asked. However, if they settle for a draw and Al Hilal defeats Pachuca, both sides would finish level on points, leaving goal difference as the deciding factor. It's tight at the top, and Salzburg will need to bring their best to avoid leaving qualification up to the numbers.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Where to watch FC Salzburg vs. Real Madrid: Live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this FIFA Club World Cup match in India:
TV channel: None
Live stream: DAZN
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the India. For fans who prefer to stream on the go, the entire tournament will also be shown live on DAZN.
All of the 63 matches throughout the tournament will be on DAZN and new users can sign up to watch every game for FREE.
FC Salzburg vs. Real Madrid start time
- Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
- Time: 6:30 a.m. IST
This FIFA Club World Cup clash between FC Salzburg and Real Madrid will kick off at 9:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 26, from the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which translates to 6:30 a.m. IST on Friday, June 27 in India.
FC Salzburg vs. Real Madrid predicted lineups, team news
RB Salzburg have been dealt a blow ahead of their next Club World Cup clash, as midfielder Takumu Kawamura has been forced to withdraw from the squad due to a knee injury sustained in training prior to the draw against Al-Hilal. The Japanese playmaker has returned home for treatment and is expected to spend a significant period on the sidelines.
He's not the only one unavailable for Salzburg. Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager (hand) and winger Moussa Yeo (knee) remain out of action, meaning 18-year-old Christian Zawieschitzky, who made his senior debut on Matchday 1, is likely to stay in goal for the foreseeable future.
There was, however, a silver lining in the form of Maurits Kjaergaard, who made his long-awaited return after eight months out with an ankle injury. The Danish midfielder came off the bench against Al-Hilal and is expected to get more minutes under his belt this Friday.
Meanwhile, Oscar Gloukh could be reintroduced to the starting XI, potentially replacing newcomer Sota Kitano, who was handed his full debut in the previous outing.
FC Salzburg predicted XI (4-2-2-2, right to left): Zawieschitzky (GK) — Lainer, Gadou, Rasmussen, Kratzig — Bidstrup, Diabate — Nene, Gloukh — Baidoo, Onisiwo.
Injured: Takumu Kawamura (knee), Alexander Schlager (hand), Moussa Yeo (knee).
Suspended: None.
On the other side of the pitch, Real Madrid are still contending with a lengthy injury list. Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick are all unavailable, while Raul Asencio is suspended following his red card in the last match.
Antonio Rudiger is expected to fill the void in central defense left by Asencio, pairing up with summer signing Dean Huijsen. At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, another high-profile addition, will be looking to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
One of the big questions for Madrid is the status of Kylian Mbappe, who has missed both group matches due to a bout of acute gastroenteritis. Gonzalo Garcia has led the line in his absence, but should the French superstar be deemed fit, he will almost certainly be thrust straight back into the starting XI. Manager Xabi Alonso is expected to make a late decision on his availability.
Real Madrid XI (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia — Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham — F. Valverde, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior.
Injured: Alaba (injured), Militao, Camavinga, Mendy, Endrick, Mbappe (illness).
Suspended: Asencio (suspended).
FIFA Club World Cup fixture schedule this week
All times IST
Friday, June 27
- Juventus vs. Man City (12:30 a.m.)
- Wydad vs. Al Ain (12:30 a.m.)
- Salzburg vs. Real Madrid (6:30 a.m.)
- Al Hilal vs. Pachuca (6:30 a.m.)
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