### Kylian Mbappé's Anticipated Club World Cup Debut: A Major Boost for Real Madrid Kylian Mbappé, the star forward for Real Madrid, is poised to make his much-anticipated debut in the FIFA Club World Cup as the team prepares to face Juventus in the Round of 16. After missing the group stage due to illness, his return is seen as a significant advantage for the 15-time European champions. Coach Xabi Alonso has indicated that Mbappé's inclusion in the squad is a "big possibility," which has generated excitement among fans and analysts alike. His presence is expected to enhance Real Madrid's chances in the tournament, especially following the early exit of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, which had diminished the star power of the event [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-07-01/real-madrid-star-kylian-mbappe-arrives-with-team-ahead-of-club-world-cup-match-against-juventus][https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/real-boosted-mbappes-return-juventus-clash-club-world-cup-5212756]. ### Breakdown of Mbappé's Situation and Impact 1. **Health and Readiness**: - Mbappé has been recovering from a stomach bug that caused him to miss the group stage matches. Reports indicate he has returned to training and is fit to play [https://www.nationalworld.com/sport/fifa-club-world-cup-will-kylian-mbappe-lead-real-madrid-attack-v-juventus-xabi-alonso-reveals-5204005]. 2. **Coaching Decisions**: - Xabi Alonso has not confirmed whether Mbappé will start but has acknowledged the possibility of him coming off the bench to make an impact during the match [https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/fifa-club-world-cup/articles-video/real-madrid-s-likely-lineup-to-face-juventus-at-the-club-world-cup-will-mbappé-start-or-come-in-as-a-game-changer-2025-07-01]. 3. **Tournament Context**: - The Club World Cup has lost some of its star appeal following the elimination of Messi's team, making Mbappé's participation even more crucial for the tournament's visibility and excitement [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/kylian-mbappe-a-big-possibility-for-club-world-cup-debut-against-juventus-today/amp]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Mbappé's Recent Performance**: - Prior to his illness, Mbappé was a key player for Real Madrid, and his absence was felt significantly during the group stage matches. His return is expected to reinvigorate the team's offensive strategy [https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/45634932/mbappe-club-world-cup-debut-real-madrid-not-moment-too-soon]. - **Coaching Insights**: - Alonso's comments reflect a strategic approach to managing player fitness, especially in high-stakes matches like the Club World Cup [https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/fifa-club-world-cup/articles/why-isn-t-mbappé-starting-against-juventus-in-the-club-world-cup-2025-07-01]. ### Conclusion: Mbappé's Return is a Game-Changer for Real Madrid In summary, Kylian Mbappé's potential debut in the Club World Cup against Juventus is a pivotal moment for both the player and Real Madrid. His recovery from illness and subsequent inclusion in the squad could significantly enhance the team's performance in this crucial knockout stage. 1. **Health and Readiness**: Mbappé is fit to play after recovering from illness. 2. **Coaching Strategy**: Alonso is weighing the decision to start him or use him as a substitute. 3. **Tournament Dynamics**: His return adds star power to a tournament that has lost some of its luster. **Overall, Mbappé's presence is expected to be a decisive factor in Real Madrid's quest for another Club World Cup title** [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/real-madrid-star-kylian-mbappe-arrives-with-team-20402992.php].