Kylian Mbappé will not feature in Real Madrid’s opening match of Group H at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as the Spanish giants face Al Hilal this Wednesday, June 18, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Confirmed: Mbappé Out Due to Illness

The club officially announced that Mbappé will not be in the starting XI or on the bench, after failing to recover from a fever-related condition that kept him out of the team’s final training session before the match.

The French star began showing symptoms on Tuesday, and the medical staff opted not to risk him for the tournament opener.

Gonzalo García Gets the Start Up Front

In Mbappé’s absence, academy product Gonzalo García will lead the line. The 21-year-old striker, who has impressed with Real Madrid Castilla, has been selected by Xabi Alonso to start in attack.

The decision allows the team to maintain its tactical shape while giving Mbappé time to fully recover before the next fixtures.

Context: Madrid Opens Group H Campaign

Despite the absence of their biggest star, Real Madrid enters the match as heavy favorites. With a squad filled with depth and quality, Los Blancos aim to start strong in the new expanded Club World Cup format.

Al Hilal, champions of Asia, are expected to be a challenging opponent, but Madrid’s ambitions remain intact as they chase global silverware—with Mbappé expected to return later in the tournament.