Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid is set to face Mexico’s C.F. Pachuca in the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024, taking place at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 10:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) and will be available for live streaming in India.
Real Madrid earned their place in the final as the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, while Pachuca claimed their spot by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The tournament format allowed the UEFA Champions League winners to advance directly to the final, whereas champions from the other five confederations competed in knockout rounds to determine the other finalist.
The FIFA Intercontinental Cup has a rich history, originally launched as the FIFA Club World Championship in 2000, and it returned in 2005 as the FIFA Club World Cup after a brief hiatus. This year marks a fresh start for the competition, featuring a new format where the champions from each of the six confederations have a chance to compete annually, leading to the return of the FIFA Club World Cup as a quadrennial event with 32 teams starting in 2025.
C.F. Pachuca progressed to the second round of the tournament, where they achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory over Botafogo, the South American champions. In the subsequent round, known as the Challenger Cup, Pachuca faced Africa-Asia-Pacific champions Al Ahly of Egypt, emerging victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout after a stellar performance from goalkeeper Carlos Moreno.
Key players Oussama Idrissi and Salomon Rondón have been instrumental for Pachuca throughout the tournament, and they will be eager to shine in this significant final match. On the other hand, Real Madrid will feature star forward Kylian Mbappe, who returns to the squad after missing a previous La Liga match due to injury. Other prominent players, such as Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham, are also expected to start.
For fans in India, the Real Madrid vs Pachuca FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 final will be live-streamed on FIFA+, starting at 10:30 PM IST on December 18.
This match presents a thrilling opportunity for both clubs to showcase their talent. As the tournament progresses, the global attention surrounding the event is sure to boost enthusiasm for international club competitions and highlight the growing prominence of teams like C.F. Pachuca on the world stage. The final promises to be an exciting clash filled with passion and skill, marking a significant moment in the sports calendar.