With the confirmed arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid takes another step towards the Club World Cup. The date is marked in red on the calendar for the Whites, who want to make history by becoming the first champions of the tournament. The goal is clear, and Xabi Alonso will begin working towards it on June 9 when training begins in Valdebebas. The team will travel to the United States on the 14th and make its debut in the competition on the 18th.
The first challenge of the Xabi Alonso era
As we said, the goal is clear. Real Madrid travels to the United States wanting to bring home the championship title. The season has not been easy, and this would be the best way to start the exciting era of Xabi Alonso. The tournament, which will bring together the 32 best teams from the different confederations over the last four years, will debut with a format similar to that of a World Cup.
It will begin with a group stage, which for the Whites will kick off on June 18 at 9 p.m. Spanish time with Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This group stage continues for the Whites on Sunday, June 22, also at 9 p.m., with Real Madrid vs. Pachuca at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Finally, Xabi Alonso’s side will play their third match on Friday, June 27, at 3 a.m. Spanish time. They will face Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The top two teams in each group will qualify for the round of 16, which will be played between June 28 and July 1. The quarter-finals will take place between July 4 and 5, the semi-finals on July 8 and 9, and the final on Sunday, July 13. It is a final marked in red on the calendar and one that Xabi Alonso has firmly in mind. “It’s the first Club World Cup and we are extremely ambitious. It could be a great start… and that’s what I have here (pointing to his head),” he said at his official presentation.
Club World Cup prizes
The prizes that the teams will receive as they progress through the different rounds are substantial and highly motivating for the clubs competing in the tournament. Each victory in the group stage will earn $2 million (if there is a draw, this money is split: $1 million for each team). Once qualified, a victory in the round of 16 will earn $7.5 million, and if the victory comes in the quarterfinals, $13.125 million. From there, the figures begin to reach astronomical heights: the semi-finals are worth $21 million and the final, $40 million.
Real Madrid’s bonuses: €1 million
In other words, if Real Madrid reaches the final and wins, it will earn more than $80 million. It is therefore not surprising that Florentino has decided to offer a juicy bonus to motivate his players after a difficult year and bring the trophy home. The club has approved ‘Champions League bonuses’: €1 million to each player, gross, if they win the tournament. The same amount is awarded for the European Cups.