We want to play the final - Xabi Alonso outlines Real Madrid FIFA Club World Cup ambition

Real Madrid's new head coach, Xabi Alonso, is wasting no time as he settles into his role, expressing immense enthusiasm for the  FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

The expanded FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams from across the globe, began on Saturday, in the United States.

Real Madrid, as one of Europe's powerhouse representatives, will be aiming to make a strong impression in this new format and add another prestigious trophy to their illustrious cabinet under the guidance of their new coach.

Having taken the reins on June 1, 2025, Alonso and his squad arrived in Miami, ready to embark on their highly anticipated debut in the expanded global tournament.

Alonso emphasised the urgency of their preparations and wants to play in the final.

"We have to speed everything up because we have little time to get to know each other and train," he told Real Madrid TV.

He continued, “We will start building the team because we have three training sessions before the first game. We are coming in with a lot of enthusiasm and the hope of having a good tournament and making it all the way to the end."

Reflecting on his initial days at the helm, Alonso shared a positive outlook.

"These days have been very positive; little by little you get to know them and have that very necessary contact," he explained.

Alonso, who was officially appointed as Real Madrid's coach on May 25, 2025, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, has already begun to connect with his new players.

He met key figures like Vinicius Junior, Andriy Lunin, and Arda Güler, who joined the group at the team hotel.

Real Madrid is grouped with Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), and Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) in Group H of the tournament.

Their Club World Cup journey is set to kick off against Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal on Wednesday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.