By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced the semi-final matchups for the 2026 Spanish Super Cup, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from January 7 to 11. Defending champions Barcelona will face Athletic Club, while Real Madrid will meet Atlético Madrid in the other semi-final. All matches will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City, with kickoffs scheduled for 8:00 PM CET (10:00 PM local time) .
Matchups and Format
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club
Barcelona enters the tournament as the defending champion, having secured the 2025 title with a commanding 5–2 victory over Real Madrid in the final . Athletic Club, known for their resilient performances, will look to challenge the Catalan giants in this high-stakes encounter.
Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid
The Madrid derby promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to claim the first major trophy of the season. Real Madrid, the La Liga champions, will face Atlético Madrid, who have been in strong form recently, including a notable 5–2 comeback win over Real Madrid in their last encounter .
Each semi-final will be a single-elimination match, with the winners advancing to the final to compete for the Spanish Super Cup title.
The King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will host the tournament for the third consecutive year. The stadium, also known as Alinma or “The Radiant Jewel,” has a seating capacity of over 60,000 and has previously hosted high-profile matches, including the 2025 Super Cup final .
Tickets for the Spanish Super Cup matches will be available through the official RFEF website and authorized ticket vendors. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as the matches are expected to sell out quickly due to high demand.
The 2026 Spanish Super Cup semi-finals are set to deliver exciting matchups, with Barcelona aiming to defend their title against Athletic Club and the Madrid derby promising intense competition. Football fans worldwide can look forward to a week of high-quality football in Jeddah.
