Seattle Sounders vs. Atletico Madrid lineups, team news, score prediction: MLS side seeks historic Club World Cup upset

It was expected that points would be at a premium for the Seattle Sounders, who were drawn into anb absurd FIFA Club World Cup group against two regular UEFA Champions League contenders and last year's South American champions.

It was not expected, however, that Atletico Madrid would themselves be in such a dire position, desperate for points as they meet their MLS opponents at Lumen Field on Thursday.

Both clubs were beaten in their opening match of the group stage, with the Sounders heartbroken in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Botafogo, while Atleti were blasted 4-0 by Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

The two are now in a position where they must secure points, especially the Sounders knowing they have a match against PSG on the horizon. Atletico will also want to make sure to secure points here, knowing that their finale against Botafogo could determine who reaches the knockouts.

The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides.

MORE: Full rosters for all 32 teams participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Seattle Sounders vs. Atletico Madrid lineups, team news

Seattle Sounders veteran Jordan Morris has missed significant time this season with a lengthy injury, and while he's back in training, at least individually, he did not participate in the opening Club World Cup match and could be set for more time on the sidelines.

They're also missing lynchpin defender Yeimar Gomez meaning Kim Kee-hee is the partner for Jacksen Ragen at the back.

There have been calls for head coach Brian Schmetzer to bench left-back Nouhou, who has been a Sounders fixture for a number of years but has become error-prone, costing them a result in the Club World Cup opener. If he does see the bench, Reed Baker-Whiting could be a potential replacement.

Seattle Sounders predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Frei (GK) — A. Roldan, Kim, Ragen, Nouhou — C. Roldan, Vargas — Ferreira, Rusnak, Kent — Musovski

Injured: None
Suspended: None
On a yellow card: None

Full Seattle Sounders squad

Goalkeepers: Jacob Castro, Stefan Frei, Andrew Thomas

Defenders: Cody Baker, Jon Bell, Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Kim Kee-hee, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Jackson Ragen, Alex Roldan, Travian Sousa, Nouhou Tolo

Midfielders: Reed Baker-Whiting, Danny Leyva, Joao Paulo, Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnak, Obed Vargas

Forwards: Pedro de la Vega, Osaze de Rosario, Jesus Ferreira, Ryan Kent, Georgi Minoungou, Jordan Morris, Danny Musovski, Paul Rothrock.

After being thrashed by PSG, Diego Simeone could make a few tactical changes, but he will be forced into at least one alteration.

Clement Lenglet will miss the match through suspension after being sent off in the opener. One of Reinildo, Axel Witsel, or Cesar Azpilicueta will come in along the back, although the former could also enter the XI at left-back if Simeone wishes to swap out Javi Galan. All three of those potential replacements are set to leave the club at the end of the competition.

It's also possible that Conor Gallagher could enter in midfield as he continues to rotate with Pablo Barrios.

Atletico Madrid predicted lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Oblak (GK) — Llorente, Le Normand, Witsel, Reinildo — Simeone, De Paul, Gallagher, Lino — Alvarez, Griezmann

Injured: None
Suspended: Lenglet (red card)
On a yellow card: Simeone, Le Normand, Koke, Reinildo, Correa

Full Atletico Madrid squad

Goalkeepers: Salvador Esquivel, Antonio Gomis, Juan Musso, Jan Oblak

Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta, Javi Galan, Jose Maria Gimenez, Ilias Kostis, Clement Lenglet, Robin Le Normand, Nahuel Molina, Reinildo, Axel Witsel

Midfielders: Pablo Barrios, Rayane Belaid, Rodrigo De Paul, Conor Gallagher, Koke, Thomas Lemar, Samuel Lino, Marcos Llorente, Rodrigo Riquelme, Taufik Seidu, Javi Serrano

Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Angel Correra, Antoine Griezmann, Carlos Martin, Giuliano Simeone, Alexander Sorloth.

Seattle Sounders vs. Atletico Madrid score prediction

The Seattle Sounders impressed against Botafogo, and probably should have won that game. Unfortunately, it didn't go their way, and the chance was lost. Now, they're facing a steep uphill climb.

Ultimately, it's going to be nearly impossible to secure a result against either Atletico Madrid or PSG, no matter how well they play. Both these European sides are of real quality, and it's hard to imagine Seattle emerging even remotely close to this one, or the next one for that matter.

Prediction: Seattle Sounders 1-3 Atletico Madrid

How to watch Seattle Sounders vs. Atletico Madrid: Live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Club World Cup group match across selected areas of the world's major regions: