These are games Atletico are expected—but by no means guaranteed—to win.
Despite being eliminated early from the Champions League and ending the 2024–25 season without a trophy, Atletico were still viewed by some as dark horses heading into this tournament.
However, they cannot afford another loss—what would be their third in five matches across all competitions—if they hope to reach the knockout rounds.
Atletico Madrid, who qualified for the Club World Cup via UEFA’s ranking pathway, have never faced American opposition before.
However, Thursday’s fixture will mark the eighth encounter between a Spanish club and a team from the United States, with Spanish teams winning each of the last five meetings.
Seattle Sounders will be without Stuart Hawkins for six to eight weeks due to a thigh injury. However, fellow center-back Kim Kee-hee played the first 45 minutes against Botafogo after recovering from a calf issue and is in contention to start again.
Jordan Morris has returned to the squad following a hamstring injury but was an unused substitute in the previous match.
He is more likely to come off the bench on Thursday, which could see Daniel Musovski once again lead the line, supported by Ryan Kent and Jesus Ferreira in the attack.
As for Atletico Madrid, Clement Lenglet is suspended for one match after receiving a second yellow card for dissent late in the loss to PSG.
Jose Gimenez is expected to partner Robin Le Normand at the heart of the defense, while Simeone will decide whether to stick with Marcos Llorente and Javi Galan as full-backs or recall Nahuel Molina and Reinaldo Mandava.
In midfield, Conor Gallagher and Koke will push Rodrigo De Paul and Pablo Barrios for a starting role, while Antoine Griezmann is likely to retain his spot up front alongside Julian Alvarez, leaving Alexander Sorloth to start from the bench once again.
Predicted Starting Lineup – Seattle Sounders:
Frei; A. Roldan, Kim, Ragen, Tolo; Vargas, C. Roldan; Vargas; Ferreira, Rusnak, Kent; Musovski
Predicted Starting Lineup – Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Gimenez, Galan; Simeone, De Paul, Gallagher, Koke; Griezmann, Alvarez
