Real Madrid have been handed a significant fitness boost as Kylian Mbappé has been included in the squad for the upcoming FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar. The French forward’s inclusion is a positive sign after he missed Los Blancos’ surprise 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano over the weekend due to a fitness issue. Coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously expressed his confusion over Mbappé’s condition, particularly given his relatively light workload in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old, who has had an up-and-down start to life at Madrid after his high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, has continued to show his clinical edge by scoring 12 goals in 22 appearances. Despite his ongoing adaptation to a new club and style of play, his inclusion in the squad for the final against Mexican side Pachuca has boosted hopes that he could be available for the crucial match in Doha on Wednesday evening.
Mbappé’s Fitness Concerns and Ancelotti’s Selection Dilemma
Mbappé’s absence from the La Liga draw with Rayo Vallecano had raised questions about his fitness, especially since the forward has been instrumental in Madrid’s attacking play this season. While Ancelotti acknowledged the situation, he did not provide many details, other than stating his puzzlement at Mbappé’s fitness issue. The Frenchman’s involvement in the squad for the Intercontinental Cup final suggests that the problem may not be as severe as initially feared, and that he could play a key role in the final against Pachuca.
The final, set to take place in the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, will be a crucial test for Madrid, who are looking to add the new-look FIFA Intercontinental Cup to their trophy cabinet. The competition, revived after the original version was discontinued in 2004, now serves as a replacement for the FIFA Club World Cup following its expansion to a quadrennial summer event. Real Madrid, the inaugural winners of the original Intercontinental Cup in 1960, are aiming to reclaim the prestigious title.
Mbappé, who has been part of a forward line alongside the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, will provide the firepower Madrid need to overcome Pachuca, who have already proven their mettle in Qatar by defeating Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo and the African champions Al Ahly to secure their place in the final.
Real Madrid Squad for FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final
Ancelotti has named a 24-player squad for the final, with several key players making the cut, including the returning Eduardo Camavinga. The French midfielder, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, made a substitute appearance against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend, marking his return to action. However, Vinícius Júnior’s name also appears in the squad, despite reports suggesting he may not return until 2025. This suggests that Madrid may have included players who are unavailable in order to maintain the squad’s morale and inclusivity, similar to how David Alaba was included in last season’s Champions League final squad despite not being fit.
One of the more pressing concerns for Ancelotti, however, is the lack of defensive depth available for the final. The club is facing a serious injury crisis in defense, with key players such as David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militão, and Ferland Mendy all sidelined. This has left the Madrid coach with limited options in defense, which could affect the tactical approach to the final against Pachuca.
Here’s the full squad that will travel to Doha:
Goalkeepers:
Defenders:
- Lucas Vazquez
- Jesus Vallejo
- Fran Garcia
- Antonio Rudiger
- Youssef Enriquez
- Raul Asencio
- Lorenzo Aguado
Midfielders:
- Jude Bellingham
- Eduardo Camavinga
- Federico Valverde
- Luka Modric
- Aurelien Tchouameni
- Arda Guler
- Dani Ceballos
Forwards:
Real Madrid’s Road to the Final
Real Madrid earned a bye to the final, having participated in the newly-structured competition as one of the top teams in global football. While Pachuca had to play two additional rounds in Qatar to qualify, Madrid’s stature in world football meant they were automatically placed in the final.
In contrast, Pachuca’s journey has been impressive. The Mexican side beat Botafogo, the Copa Libertadores winners, and African champions Al Ahly in their respective quarter-final and semi-final matches. This makes them a formidable opponent, and Real Madrid will be wary of their strong form leading up to the final.
Madrid’s Legacy in the Intercontinental Cup
The original FIFA Intercontinental Cup, which was played annually from 1960 until 2004, saw Real Madrid make history as the first-ever winners. Their victory over Uruguayan giants Penarol remains iconic, with Madrid winning 5-1 in the second leg after a goalless draw in the first leg. The competition was eventually replaced by the FIFA Club World Cup, but the revived Intercontinental Cup has brought the tradition back to the forefront, and Madrid will be aiming to add the modern version of the trophy to their illustrious history.
Looking Ahead: Ancelotti’s Tactical Dilemma
For Carlo Ancelotti, the absence of several key defensive players will force him into tactical adjustments, but with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Luka Modric in midfield, Madrid still have the ability to dominate possession. Up front, Mbappé, alongside Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior, will provide pace and clinical finishing, making Real Madrid a formidable force in the final.
While Real Madrid may have a patched-up defense for the final, their attacking prowess and depth in midfield could help them overcome Pachuca. All eyes will be on Mbappé, whose fitness and potential participation could play a decisive role in the outcome of the match.
The final will kick off on Wednesday evening, and Real Madrid fans will be hoping their squad, despite a few absences and injuries, can continue their winning ways and bring home the first FIFA Intercontinental Cup of its new era.
