Overview
- Kickoff is Tuesday at Hong Kong Stadium, with the winner to meet Al Ahli or Al Qadsiah in Saturday’s final on August 23.
- Al Ittihad are viewed as favorites after last season’s league and cup double, though first-choice goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic is out with a muscle injury and Mohammed Al-Absi is expected to step in.
- Al Nassr’s summer additions João Félix, Íñigo Martínez and Kingsley Coman are expected to feature, subject to match readiness.
- Karim Benzema rejected framing the game as a personal duel with Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the focus is on the teams reaching the final.
- Organizers accepted Al Hilal’s withdrawal due to post–Club World Cup fatigue and are reviewing potential penalties for the club.