'Holds Up The Ball, Tough On The Knees': Jude Bellingham Unimpressed With Pitches At FIFA CWC 2025

Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 15:30 IST

Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham revealed his disappointment with the quality of the pitches used at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the USA.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham waves to the crowd before the Club World Cup group H soccer match between Real Madrid and Al Hilal in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham revealed his disappointment with the quality of the pitches used at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States of America on Monday, following the La Liga giants’ 3-1 win over Mexican unit Pachuca at the Bank Of America Stadium in North Carolina.

“The pitches aren’t that great, to be honest, I’ve got to say," the Englishman said.

“It’s really hot for one, I know it is the same for everyone, but I’m telling you this because you asked me," he added.

“The pitches aren’t great at all. It holds up the ball, the ball barely bounces, and it is tough on the knees as well,"

“Hopefully, someone will look into that going into the World Cup next year," the midfielder continued.

“It’s important that we protect the players as well as giving the fans the spectacle with great games," Bellingham signed off.

Real’s Raul Asencio was given the marching orders early in the game as he was shown the red in the seventh minute as the La Liga side went a man down.

Bellingham, however, opened the scoring for his side in the 35th minute before Turkish starboy Arda Guler doubled the Spanish Capital City side’s advantage ahead of the break.

Federico Valverde made it three to the good for Real Madrid before the Mexican outfit pulled a consolation back from the game through Elias Montiel ten minutes from time.

Real Madird stand atop Group H with 4 points in 2 games, on the back of their 1-1 draw against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in their opener and the win over Pachuca, ahead of second-placed RB Salzburg, who also have 4 points from 2 outings in the revamped edition of the CWC, with the two sides separated only on goal difference.

Al Hilal stand third with 2 points in as many games due to their twin-draws, while Pachuca remain bottom of the group ahead of the final gameweek of the group stage.

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Location :

United States of America (USA)

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