European giants Real Madrid will travel to Qatar in search of another trophy as they face Mexican club Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday.
Previously known as the FIFA Club World Cup, the revised Intercontinental Cup pits continental champions directly against each other.
Real Madrid advanced to the final following their Champions League win last season, while Pachuca qualified by winning the Derby of the Americas and the Challenger Cup.
Los Blancos enter the final as heavy favorites, having won the FIFA Club World Cup five times.
For Pachuca, this match is a chance to prove their win against Brazilian giants Botafogo wasn’t a one-off.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest team news.
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Champions League match in the U.S.:
- TV channel: beIN Sports
- Live stream: Fubo, FIFA+
This game is available for live TV broadcasts on beIN Sports. Streaming options are available on FIFA+ and Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99, a $30 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Real Madrid vs. Pachuca kick off?
This clash takes place at Lusail Stadium, in Lusail, Qatar, and kicks off on Wednesday, December 18, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Dec. 18 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Dec. 18 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Dec. 18 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Dec. 18 | 9:00 a.m. |
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca predicted lineups, team news
Ancelotti has named a strong squad for the trip to Lusail with the Italian hoping to lift a trophy to ease some pressure following a mixed start to the season.
The main news focuses on a return to fitness for Kylian Mbappe after he missed the weekend 3-3 La Liga draw at Rayo Vallecano, with fellow France star Eduardo Camavinga also back.
However, defensive quartet Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and David Alaba all remain sidelined.
Real Madrid predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia — Valverde, Bellingham, Camavinga — Diaz, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Injured: Mendy (calf), Carvajal (knee), Militao (knee), Alaba (knee)
Suspended: None
Pachuca knocked out Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo in the quarterfinals and beat Al Ahly on penalties in the semifinals.
Despite the quick turnaround between games, they could stick with an unchanged lineup, including former Premier League striker Salomon Rondon.
Pachuca predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Moreno (GK) — Rodriguez, Cabral, Micolta, B. Gonzalez — Avalos, Pedraza — A. Gonzalez, Gutierrez, Idrissi — Rondon
Injured: Barreto (knee)
Suspended: None
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca Prediction
While Pachuca’s road to the final is inspiring, Real Madrid’s sheer firepower and history make them overwhelming favorites. With Mbappe back from injury and Bellingham in good form, the Spanish giants will likely add another trophy to their collection.
- Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Pachuca
