As expected from his pre-match press conference, Carlo Ancelotti called up Kylian Mbappe for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup match against Pachuca.
The Mexicans eliminated Botafogo and Al Ahly in recent days and now face one of the toughest challenges in their recent history. Should they lose, they can seek revenge in the summer of 2025, when they will also meet Los Merengues in the revamped Club World Cup.
The Mexicans will have to exploit their resources to overcome an expedition in which the presence of the French striker is not a huge surprise. However, it is striking because it raises questions about whether his coach will give him minutes despite his ailing physical condition. He picked up an injury in the Champions League matchday 6 fixture against Atalanta, and a medical report put the injury in his left thigh without further details.