The 2026 Spanish Super Cup final brings the world to a standstill as Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in a high-stakes El Clásico at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The match is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026, with a local kick-off time of 10:00 PM AST. Fans tuning in globally can watch at 8:00 PM in Spain, 2:00 PM ET in the US.
Following a 5–0 semi-final win over Athletic Club, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona enters as defending champions, while Xabi Alonso’s Madrid advanced after a 2–1 victory against Atlético. This fourth consecutive final meeting promises fireworks with Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé expected to lead their respective attacks.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Viewing Information
- Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026.
- Teams: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid
- Venue: King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Start time: 2:00 PM ET.
- Watch Live Stream: Start Watching Live Online (Available Worldwide)
How To Watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid Live in the USA, Canada, and the Rest of the World?
To watch the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final live, fans have several options depending on their location. In the USA, the match is widely available on ABC, with streaming on ESPN+, the ESPN App, and fuboTV. For Spanish-language coverage, ESPN Deportes is the primary broadcaster.
In Canada, the match is not being televised on traditional cable, but fans can follow via the ESPN App or international streaming services. Across the United Kingdom, TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 4 hold the rights. In Spain, coverage is exclusive to Movistar Plus+. Other global regions can tune in via beIN Sports, DAZN, or FanCode (India), ensuring fans worldwide don’t miss this high-stakes El Clásico.
Barcelona Team News, Focus
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona enters the final in peak form, riding a nine-game winning streak and a massive 5–0 semi-final win over Athletic Club. The squad is nearly at full strength, with the major headline being the return of Lamine Yamal to the starting lineup after he was rested during the semi-final. Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are also expected to return to the XI after starting on the bench last match.
Defensively, Joan García continues his impressive run in goal, maintaining five consecutive clean sheets. While Gavi, Andreas Christensen, and Ter Stegen remain long-term absentees, Flick has a deep roster featuring an in-form Raphinha and a stabilized backline led by Pau Cubarsí and Jules Koundé.
Real Madrid Team News, Focus
Real Madrid enters the final with significant fitness concerns but a major morale boost. Xabi Alonso, seeking his first trophy as manager, has confirmed that Kylian Mbappé has returned to the squad after missing the semi-final with a knee sprain. While he is expected to start, late fitness tests are required for Antonio Rüdiger (knee), Rodrygo (knock), and young defender Raul Asencio.
Los Blancos reached the final following a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Atlético Madrid, fueled by a Federico Valverde screamer and a clinical Rodrygo finish. Defensively, injuries to Éder Militão and Trent Alexander-Arnold may force a makeshift backline featuring Dean Huijsen or Aurelien Tchouaméni to contain Barcelona’s high-flying attack.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Teams & Qualification
To reach the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, both giants capitalized on their dominant 2024–25 domestic campaigns. This edition marks the fourth consecutive time these rivals have met to decide the trophy.
Qualification Path
- FC Barcelona: Qualified as the 2024–25 La Liga Champions and Copa del Rey Winners. They secured their spot with a dominant 5–0 thrashing of Athletic Club in the semi-finals.
- Real Madrid: Qualified as the Runners-up in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. They advanced after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over city rivals Atlético Madrid.
Preview For Barcelona vs Real Madrid
The 2026 Spanish Super Cup final features a high-stakes El Clásico as Barcelona and Real Madrid battle for the season’s first silverware in Jeddah.
Barcelona enters as the favorite, riding a nine-game winning streak and coming off a dominant 5–0 semi-final victory over Athletic Club. Hansi Flick welcomes back Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski to a clinical attack that has kept five consecutive clean sheets.
Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso, aims for revenge after last year’s 5–2 final defeat. Despite defensive injuries to Militão and Rüdiger, the return of Kylian Mbappé provides a massive boost alongside Jude Bellingham. With Flick’s high defensive line facing Madrid’s explosive transitions, this fourth consecutive Super Cup final meeting promises a tactical masterclass.
Why Barcelona vs Real Madrid Will Be Special?
This El Clásico is particularly special because it serves as a high-stakes clash of momentum and a battle against historical “curses.” Barcelona enters in rampant form, boasting a nine-game winning streak and looking to become the first team in 15 years to retain the Super Cup title. For Hansi Flick, it’s a chance to cement his domestic dominance after a Treble-winning 2024–25 season.
For Real Madrid, the match marks a critical turning point for Xabi Alonso, who is hunting for his first trophy as manager. The narrative is further heightened by the dramatic return of Kylian Mbappé from injury and Madrid’s desire for revenge after losing two finals to Barça last year. With the world’s two most in-form attacks meeting in Jeddah, the match promises elite tactical drama.
Match Details: Why This Event is a Must-Watch
This match is a “must-watch” because it represents the ultimate collision of current form and historic legacy. Barcelona is chasing a record-extending 16th title, looking to become the first team in 15 years to successfully defend the Super Cup. They enter as favorites, fueled by a nine-game winning streak and a high-line tactical system that has recently suffocated opponents.
For Real Madrid, the stakes are deeply personal for manager Xabi Alonso, who is hunting for his first trophy with the club. The return of Kylian Mbappé sets the stage for a mouth-watering individual duel against the teenage phenom Lamine Yamal. With 16 goals scored across their last three Super Cup meetings, this final guarantees high-octane drama and world-class quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When and where is the match being played?
The final is today, Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the King Abdullah Sports City (also known as “The Shining Jewel”) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Q: Who won the last Spanish Super Cup?
Barcelona are the defending champions. They defeated Real Madrid 5–2 in the 2025 final to claim their record 15th title.
Q: Who are the key players missing?
Barcelona: Gavi (knee), Andreas Christensen (ACL), and Marc-André ter Stegen (long-term).
