Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup is heating up, with a win-and-in showdown between RB Salzburg and Real Madrid set for tonight in Philadelphia.
My RB Salzburg vs. Real Madrid predictions shift the focus from the final score to Salzburg’s rising star, Oscar Gloukh, who’s poised to make an impact.
Find out more in our FIFA Club World Cup free picks for Thursday, June 26, with kickoff at 9:00 p.m. ET on DAZN.
Real Madrid vs Salzburg picks and predictions
My Real Madrid vs Salzburg best bet: Oscar Gloukh 1+ shots on target (-115 at FanDuel)
The Israeli youngster has been a key part of the RB Salzburg team for two seasons now and has progressed by the year. He’s hit double-digit goals for the first time in the Austrian Bundesliga in this campaign with 15 goal contributions in just 26 games.
He’s equally as adept out on the left flank as he is behind the front man and has operated in both roles for his club this season. In both Club World Cup games so far, he’s operated on the left of the 10 roles, behind the strikers, with the team going for a 4-2-2-2 formation. He scored the opening goal in the win over Pachuca and has averaged two shots per game up until this point.
Only two players in the Austrian Bundesliga had more shots on target than Gloukh this season, with the 21-year-old finishing with 1.41 shots on target per 90 minutes played. With his ability down the left flank, there’s a good chance that we’ll see him moving into spaces that Alexander-Arnold leaves behind, which should give him chances to get shots off at the Real Madrid goal.
Gloukh is a difference maker, a livewire, and a player surely moving on to one of Europe’s big leagues very soon. His team looks to him to create chances, and in this hugely important game, they no doubt will again.
Given Real’s defensive woes, we’re getting great odds on the wonderkid getting a shot on target.
Real Madrid vs Salzburg same-game parlay (SGP)
Oscar Gloukh 1+ shots on target
Kylian Mbappe to score
Both teams to score — Yes
Kylian Mbappe has yet to play at the Club World Cup after being admitted to the hospital with gastroenteritis. We don’t have confirmation that the 26-year-old will play, but his manager, Xabi Alonso, has said that they hope to have him back for this game, especially given that they need to win.
He’s scored a staggering 42 goals for Real Madrid this season, which isn’t bad considering how slowly he started after his transfer last summer. He’s scored in eight back-to-back games for club and country, notching 12 goals in that time.
Salzburg have only scored two goals so far in this tournament and didn’t manage to find the back of the net in their last outing. However, they simply have to win this game, and they’ll push players forward to get that goal. Not only that, but Real Madrid have not looked good at the back.
Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold have both gone straight into the backline following their arrivals just weeks ago, and now with Raul Ascencio suspended for a red card, it brings even more confusion. Antonio Rudiger will move into the back four, and while he’s an excellent player, he's still recovering from injury.
This back four haven’t played together, and given their performances so far, they could give Salzburg plenty of chances to score.
Real Madrid vs Salzburg odds
| Real Madrid | Salzburg | |
|---|---|---|
| -410 | Moneyline | +750 |
| +4500 | Draw | +500 |
| Over 2.5 (-320) | Total | Under 2.5 (+215) |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Salzburg
| Location | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Thursday, 6-26-2025 |
| Time | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | DAZN |
| Weather | Light rain is expected. |
Real Madrid vs Salzburg key injuries
Real Madrid: Dani Carvajal RB (Out), David Alaba DEF (Out), Eder Militao CB (Out), Eduardo Camavinga CM (Out), Ferland Mendy LB (Out), Endrick STR (Out), Raul Asencio CB (Out), Kylian Mbappe STR (Questionable).
Salzburg: No key injuries to report.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
