Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham says the pitches used at the Club World Cup ‘aren’t great’ and has called for improvement ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Jude Bellingham Stars as Real Madrid beat Pachuca 3-1
Real Madrid’s hopes of topping Group H at the Club World Cup were dashed early on against Pachuca on Sunday, as Raul Asencio was shown a red card after just seven minutes.
Los Blancos drew 1-1 with Al Hilal in their opener, therefore they desperately needed a win to put themselves in a somewhat comfortable position heading into the final matchday.
Despite being a man down though, Real led 2-0 at the half-time break.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a well taken finish after driving into the box in the 35th minute, before Arda Guler doubled the advantage on 43 minutes.
Federico Valverde, who missed a late penalty in their opener last week, redeemed himself by adding a third on the 70 minute mark.
Pachuca responded with a late consolation goal through Elias Montiel in the 80th minute.
Following the match, Real star Bellingham was eager to comment on the playing conditions at the Club World Cup and called for improvement ahead of the World Cup next summer.
Bellingham Says Club World Cup Pitches ‘Aren’t Great’
Speaking to the media after his side’s win, Bellingham criticised the state of the pitches.
“The pitches aren’t great at all. It holds the ball up. The ball barely bounces. It’s tough on the knees as well. Hopefully it’s something that someone will look at, going into next year.
“It’s important we protect the players as well as giving the fans a great spectacle and giving them great games like today.”
Thus far at the tournament, Los Blancos have played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, the home of NFL side Miami Dolphins, and the Bank of America stadium in Charlotte.
Their final group game will be played at the Philadelphia Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field.
“The pitches aren’t great, the ball barely bounces”
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham says the pitches need to improve ahead of next year’s World Cup ⚪ pic.twitter.com/hsRPMLScFP
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 23, 2025
Bellingham To Undergo Shoulder Surgery
The England international also confirmed that he’s set to undergo shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup.
Bellingham, who has frequently been seen wearing strapping on his shoulder throughout the season, is scheduled to go under the knife a week after next month’s final.
“I’ve reached the point where the pain isn’t so bad, but I was sick of playing with the sling.
“I’m losing a lot of weight from sweating so much, and I’ve decided that I’ll have surgery after the tournament. I’ve been waiting for a long time, and my patience is running out, but the physios and doctors have been incredible. I just want to feel free.”
Despite his injury struggles, the midfielder has been a key figure for Real Madrid since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023.
It is unclear how long the procedure will leave him sidelined for.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe remains out after his hospital visit with acute gastroenteritis.
What Next For Real Madrid?
Real Madrid return to action for their final Group H match against RB Salzburg in the early hours of Friday morning. Kick-off is scheduled for 2am.
The pair are currently level on four points at the top of the group. Los Blancos are in first place however, as they boast a narrow one goal advantage on goal difference.
A victory will guarantee a first place finish in the group for the LaLiga outfit, which would see them take on Group G’s runner-up in the last 16 at the Hard Rock Stadium.
As is stands, they will face Manchester City, who are one of two Premier League teams at the Club World Cup, in the next round of the competition.
