Real Madrid clinch the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ title in Lusail

When Kylian Mbappé returned to the stadium for the two-year anniversary of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ final, where he celebrated a hat-trick but ultimately suffered a serious blow, he scored the first goal in the 37th minute Vinícius Júnior, newly crowned FIFA Men’s Best Player Provision of help.

The 15-time European champions proved too strong for the Mexican team – with further goals in the second half from Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior – whose penalty secured victory.

Despite the defeat, Pachuca will return home with their heads held high and two trophies after a hugely successful week in Qatar. On December 11, they defeated CONMEBOL Libertadores champions Botafogo 3-0 to win the inaugural Derby of the Americas Trophy. Three days later they defeated CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly on penalties to win the FIFA Challenger Cup.

The FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ meeting in Qatar was the first ever between the two sides, but Pachuca, making their first FIFA final appearance, will not have to wait long for another chance to go one better against Real. The pair were drawn together in the expanded Group H FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ – and will meet again on June 22, 2025 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, USA.