Julián Álvarez and Álex Baena miss Manchester City friendly after World Cup commitments

Julián Álvarez and Álex Baena missed Atlético Madrid’s pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, South Korea, during Atlético’s pre-season campaign because both had prolonged involvement at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Atlético began their pre-season at the end of July with a 4-1 win over Getafe as Diego Simeone’s side continued preparations for the new campaign. The club added Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand and Lee Kang-in to the squad this summer. Despite interest from Barcelona, Atlético have retained Julián Álvarez and it appears probable he will remain with the club for at least one more season. Diego Simeone’s side is preparing to challenge for the title and other trophies.

The immediate reason for Álvarez’s and Baena’s absence was their lengthy participation with their national teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, representing Argentina and Spain respectively.

Álvarez’s Argentina and Baena’s Spain met in the World Cup final on July 20, 2026; neither player had returned to Atlético’s pre-season training by the time of the Manchester City friendly.

Competition rules allow players who took part in the World Cup an extended period of rest, and Atlético granted recuperation time to those concerned.

Other senior Atlético players who were absent from the Seoul trip included Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone, Alejandro Grimaldo and Alexander Sorloth. The Manchester City–Atlético pre-season match was staged at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, South Korea.

Both Julián Álvarez and Álex Baena are expected to return to Atlético before the start of the new season. Both have been given an extended period of rest following their participation in the World Cup.