Real Madrid arrive in Miami this Saturday to prepare for their FIFA Club World Cup debut against Al Hilal, coming into the tournament as the team with the third highest average minutes played per player since August 1, 2024. Only Manchester City and Palmeiras have recorded more playing time on average.
According to data, Manchester City lead the table with an average of 3,183.7 minutes per player, followed closely by Palmeiras with 3,156.8 minutes. Real Madrid rank third with 3,150.5 minutes.
The demanding schedule reflects the heavy workload on squads preparing for the Club World Cup’s first edition with 32 teams. Madrid’s campaign begins at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium against Al Hilal, before moving on to Charlotte to face Pachuca at the Bank of America Stadium, and then to Philadelphia to finish the group stage against Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field.
The intense minutes played underline the physical challenge for all teams involved, with Manchester City and Palmeiras also managing heavy fixture lists as they seek to claim the new global club title.
Real Madrid’s head coach Xabi Alonso and his squad will need to manage player fitness carefully to compete at the highest level across this packed schedule. The tournament presents an opportunity to make history as the first winners of this expanded Club World Cup format.
The teams arrive in the United States after demanding domestic and international campaigns, highlighting the endurance required to succeed on this global stage.