Three Matches to Watch for in the FIFA Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup starts today with 32 clubs competing for one of the most unique prizes in the sport. Each team will play three group stage matches, and two teams from each of the eight groups will advance into a bracket of 16 teams in a single-elimination tournament. There have been plenty of discussions about attendance struggles, injury concerns, and overall ethics. What is certain is that fans will be treated to big club matches we wouldn’t normally see in the middle of summer. Here are three matches to watch for in the group stages of the FIFA Club World Cup.
1. Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético de Madrid (June 15th, 3:00 p.m. EST)
Of all of the group stage matches, this fixture presents the most star power. PSG have looked unstoppable, having just come off a treble-winning campaign. Atlético is also a great team, as they were in the race for La Liga for most of the year. Diego Simeone’s side is hard to beat, but they haven’t faced a side with as much firepower as Paris Saint-Germain. PSG could rest key players, as many of their regular starters played in the Nations League last week. However, this match between two big European teams at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium should be a treat.
2. Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal (June 18th, 3:00 p.m. EST)
This fixture will mark Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge of Los Blancos. Real Madrid has made significant moves in preparation for this tournament, having signed Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Franco Mastantuono. We know Real Madrid has a knack for winning international competitions, and they’ll be hungry after finishing in second place in every domestic competition. Al Hilal carries a considerable threat by fielding a roster with proven players such as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defenders Kalidou Koulibaly and João Cancelo, as well as midfielders Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Rúben Neves. Alonso’s first game on the Real Madrid touchline presents an interesting challenge and will be interesting.
3. Juventus FC vs. Manchester City (June 26th, 3:00 p.m. EST)
Manchester City, after a disappointing season, has already spent major money to bring in Tijjani Reijnders from Milan and Ryan Cherki from Lyon. Juve, on the other hand, quietly had a decent finish to their season after Thiago Motta was sacked as they finished fourth in Serie A. Juve even rewarded Motta’s replacement, Igor Tudor, with a contract extension. This fixture will be the final group stage match for both teams as they may be battling for first place and a favorable position in the knockout bracket.
