Overview
- Xabi Alonso promised a very different game plan and emphasized collective pressing with compact lines to raise the team’s level.
- Kylian Mbappé is ruled out through injury for the semifinal at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah.
- Dani Carvajal is progressing but not set to start, with Alonso indicating he could feature for limited minutes if required.
- Federico Valverde is the likely pick at right back as Huijsen and Trent trained and are available, with fitness management shaping selections.
- Jude Bellingham publicly backed the coach and said the situation is not a disaster, while Alonso defended Vinícius through a 15-match scoring drought.