Overview
- Real Madrid published a 24-player list for Saudi Arabia that excludes Kylian Mbappé, who remains in Madrid recovering from a knee sprain sustained in training.
- Academy forward Gonzalo García, fresh off a LaLiga hat-trick against Betis, has been called up and is positioned to lead the line in Thursday’s semifinal.
- The tournament opens at King Abdullah Sports City with Barcelona vs. Athletic Club on Wednesday, followed by Real Madrid vs. Atlético de Madrid on Thursday; the final is scheduled for Sunday.
- Broadcast plans include Movistar+ in Spain, ESPN/ESPN2 and fuboTV in the United States, Sky Sports in Mexico and Central America, Flow in parts of South America, Win Sports in Colombia, and ECDF in Ecuador, with América TV carrying matches in Peru.
- Barcelona arrive as LaLiga leaders on an extended winning run, while Athletic captain Iñaki Williams reiterated criticism of staging the event in Saudi Arabia and apologized for his wording.