Real Madrid learn date & venue for revived FIFA Intercontinental Cup final with showdown to take place in Qatar

The 2024 edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, evolving from the previously-annual FIFA Club World Cup format, will see the final stages held in Qatar with a unique setup, offering three different titles across three games. While the Lusail Stadium will host the final, the other two matches will be played at Stadium 974.

By virtue of winning the 2023-24 Champions League, Real Madrid will compete directly in the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at the Lusail Stadium, scheduled for December 18. The Derby of the Americas winner - between CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Pachuca and this year's victors in the Copa Libertadores - will go on to compete against Al Ahly SC of Egypt, the current CAF Champions League holders, in the FIFA Challenger Cup. This match will determine which team progresses to the Intercontinental Cup final to lock horns with Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Kylian Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer, returns to Qatar with poignant memories. The French star had an unforgettable performance in the 2022 World Cup final in the Lusail Stadium, where he scored a stunning hat-trick against Argentina, keeping France in contention and leading the game into a penalty shootout. Despite his heroics, France lost the shootout 4-2, and Argentina claimed the World Cup.

The Intercontinental Cup final on December 18 coincides with the anniversary of that World Cup loss and now Mbappe will be looking to convert the memory of that heart-wrenching loss into a triumphant comeback at the same venue by leading his team to victory.

Real Madrid have had a challenging start to their season. In the Champions League group stage, they have suffered two defeats in their first four games, putting them in a precarious position as they push to progress in the competition. Furthermore, in La Liga, they trail arch-rivals Barcelona by six points, though they have a game in hand that could help narrow the gap. Carlo Ancelotti hopes Real Madrid's recent 4-0 victory over Osasuna will serve as a turning point. Following the international break, Los Blancos will resume play with a visit to Leganes on November 24, a crucial opportunity for Ancelotti’s squad to gain momentum ahead of the Intercontinental Cup final.