With Doha hosting the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, it will be two years to the day since Qatar hosted the World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium.

WHO: Real Madrid vs Pachuca
What: FIFA Intercontinental Cup final
Where: Lusail Stadium, Doha, Qatar
When: 8pm (17:00 GMT) on Wednesday 18 December
Follow Al Jazeera’s live text, photo composition and commentary.

European champions Real Madrid will aim for a record-tying sixth World Cup title when they face Mexican club Pachuca in the final of the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar on Wednesday.

The Champions League defending champions and Europe’s most successful club qualified directly for the final of the tournament as UEFA continental champions.

Pachuca are the underdogs – but they capped their brilliant 12 months of form with an impressive performance in Doha.

The newly named intercontinental competition has replaced the FIFA Club World Cup and is played annually for the six continental champions as part of FIFA’s new global club competition format. The Club World Cup has now grown to include 32 of the best club teams from around the world and is held every four years.

Real Madrid is no stranger #FIFAIntercontinentalCup Final! ⏪🏆 pic.twitter.com/SFwBW3L2MH

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) December 17, 2024

As winners of the CONCACAF Continental Cup (for teams in North America, Central America and the Caribbean Confederation), Pachuca’s chances of beating Real Madrid cannot be dismissed.

Their 3-0 win over Botafogo in the Derby of the Americas on Thursday was a surprise result as the Brazilian giants go into the game as favorites.

No less impressive was Pachuca’s penalty shootout win over African giants Al Ahly in the last round and their Challenger Cup win, which secured the Mexican club’s best-ever result in a FIFA tournament.

Real Madrid, who have won the FIFA Club World Cup five times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022), will once again be favorites for Wednesday night’s final.

The squad is made up of unrivaled world-class talent at club level, including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.

The final will be played at the Lusail Stadium and marks two years to the day since Qatar hosted the World Cup final in which Argentina beat France.

News about the Real Madrid team

Mbappé is considered fit for the final – but whether the thigh injury that threatened his participation will allow him to start remains to be seen. The French star limped during the 3-2 win at Atalanta in the Champions League last Wednesday.

Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Eder Militao are all missing due to long-term knee injuries. Ferland Mendy is also out.

News about the Pachuca team

Pachuca coach Guillermo Almada has no new injury concerns for the game and could retain the same eleven that beat Al Ahly on Sunday.

Salomon Rondon, 35, who enjoyed a long career in the English Premier League with Newcastle United, Everton and West Bromwich Albion, starred and was man of the match in his side’s CONCACAF win over Columbus Crew.

Where can I watch and follow the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final?

Regional broadcasters and online streaming platforms will broadcast the game live on television.

Al Jazeera Sport will offer a live stream with text commentary and photo coverage of the game.