Club World Cup Final 2016: TV Channel, Live Stream Info, Team News For Real Madrid vs. Kashima Antlers

As it seeks to finish 2016 by being crowned the best club team on the planet, Real Madrid is set to welcome back its inspirational captain who has so often made the difference on the big occasion.

Indeed, it was Sergio Ramos who scored both in open play and in the penalty shootout in Real Madrid’s victory over Atlético Madrid in May’s Champions League final. It was that win that earned Madrid a place in the FIFA Club World Cup, where it beat Club América 2-0 in the semifinals on Thursday in Yokohama, Japan. Ramos missed that match with a minor muscular issue but has been back in training ahead of Sunday’s final against local representative, J-League champion Kashima Antlers.

And Ramos’ history in big games extends beyond just this year’s Champions League final. It was also a header from the defender that dramatically equalized deep into injury time as Real Madrid again got the better of neighbor Atlético in the 2014 Champions League climax. Later that same year, it was Ramos again who opened the scoring as Real Madrid claimed the Club World Cup title with a victory over Argentinian side San Lorenzo in the final in Morocco.

In truth, few expect Ramos’ heroics to be needed in Sunday’s final at the International Stadium Yokohama. Its opponent this time will be the tournament’s surprise package, the only team in the competition not to have earned its place by winning its continental championship.

Kashima Antlers, the most successful team in the 23-year history of the J-League, had to play an extra round than Real Madrid, first getting the better of African Champions League winner Mamelodi Sundowns and then upsetting South American champion Atlético Nacional.

A 3-0 victory over the Colombian side was emphatic on paper, but it contained a fair degree of controversy with the opening goal coming courtesy of a penalty awarded after the first ever intervention of video replay in a FIFA tournament.

The video assistant was utilized once again in the second semifinal. Cristiano Ronaldo’s late strike to seal victory over Concacaf champion Club América appeared to initially have been ruled offside before it was allowed following consultation with a video official. And afterward Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric joined manager Zinedine Zidane in criticizing the system.

"It's a new system and I don't like it very much,” Modric said. “I think it can cause confusion and it wasn't explained to us in much detail. My first impression was it's not a very good system."

Kickoff Time: 5:30 a.m. EST
TV Channel: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go