The Intercontinental Cup, reminiscent of the former Club World Cup, features continental champions competing in a knockout format. This year, Pachuca from North and Central America faces Real Madrid in the final after defeating Botafogo and Al-Ahly. The Club World Cup will continue alongside this event, debuting in 2025 with 32 teams. Pachuca, known as “Tuzos,” has a rich football history, while Kylian Mbappé’s participation in the final remains uncertain due to injury concerns. The Lusail Stadium is a poignant location for French players, recalling their World Cup final loss to Argentina.
Understanding the Intercontinental Cup
The Intercontinental Cup is a newly branded competition that revives a classic concept, reminiscent of the former Club World Cup. In this tournament, the champions from various continental leagues—such as the UEFA Champions League and Copa Libertadores—compete against one another. This year, only six teams are vying for the title. Pachuca, representing North and Central America, triumphed over Botafogo from Brazil and Al-Ahly from Egypt to secure their place in the final against Spain’s Real Madrid, who received a bye from earlier rounds.
This annual event kicks off with the first round in September and culminates in December, with all matches conducted in a knockout format. The UEFA Champions League winner automatically secures a spot in the final. Notably, Real Madrid has clinched the title five times under its previous moniker, the Club World Cup, while Manchester City currently holds the title.
Will the New Club World Cup Replace the Intercontinental Cup?
No, these two competitions will coexist. The revamped Club World Cup is set to debut in the summer of 2025 and will occur every four years, featuring 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. PSG, representing French football, will face off against Atlético de Madrid from Spain, Brazil’s Botafogo, and the Seattle Sounders from the United States.
Real Madrid is expected to participate in the Intercontinental Cup this December, followed by the Club World Cup in June-July 2025, and potentially return to the Intercontinental Cup in December 2025 if they succeed in the Champions League. The upcoming Club World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States, with another edition planned for 2029.
Meet Pachuca, the Opponent of Real Madrid
Pachuca is often referred to as the birthplace of Mexican football, being the first club established in the country back in 1892. Their achievements reflect their significance in the sport, with seven national championship titles, making them the eighth most successful club in Mexico. Additionally, Pachuca has claimed the CONCACAF Champions League title six times since 2002.
The team, known as “Tuzos,” is named after gophers, a nod to the region’s historical mining industry. Under the guidance of Uruguayan coach Guillermo Almada, Pachuca’s roster primarily consists of Mexican players, but it also features Moroccan international winger Oussama Idrissi, who joined in 2023 after stints at Ajax Amsterdam and Sevilla FC.
Will Kylian Mbappé Start the Match?
The status of Kylian Mbappé remains uncertain. The French forward sustained a left thigh injury on December 10 during a Champions League match against Atalanta Bergamasca. He returned to team training on Monday, but coach Carlo Ancelotti remarked, “Today (Tuesday) is a crucial session where he must evaluate how he feels. If there’s any risk at all, he won’t play.” Real Madrid has another match scheduled this Sunday at home in La Liga against Sevilla FC before entering the winter break, similar to France’s schedule.
Why is the Lusail Stadium a Haunting Memory for France?
Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga may be reminded of a painful memory when they step onto the Lusail stadium’s pitch. It was here, on December 18, 2022, that Argentina dashed the hopes of the French team in the World Cup final, ending the thrilling match at 3-3, with Argentina winning 4-2 on penalties. Mbappé made a remarkable exit, scoring a hat-trick, including two rapid goals that leveled the game in the 80th and 81st minutes. Tchouameni, along with Kingsley Coman, was one of the two French players who missed his penalty kick during the decisive shootout.