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Walmart, Target earnings put focus on new CEOs Furner, Fiddelke

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Walmart, Target earnings put focus on new CEOs Furner, Fiddelke

Walmart CEO John Furner, left, and Target CEO Michael Fiddelke.

Walmart (L) | Getty Images (R)

When Walmart and Target report holiday earnings this quarter, investors may quickly brush off those results.

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Instead, they will likely focus more on the two big-box retailers’ futures under new CEOs and the outlook for U.S. consumers in 2026.

Both companies had leadership changes this month: Walmart CEO John Furner and Target CEO Michael Fiddelke, both longtime company insiders, took on their roles on Feb. 1.

The rival retailers have contended with the same economic challenges. U.S. consumers are still spending, but buying selectively, as inflation and tariffs fuel higher prices for groceries and other essentials and cause some shoppers to think twice about discretionary purchases.

Yet while both Walmart and Target have new CEOs, their paths forward look distinctly different.

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Walmart’s stock has shot up by about 163% over the past five years and has risen about 24% over the last year, as of Tuesday’s market close. It hit a 52-week high Tuesday. Shares of Target, on the other hand, have tumbled by about 40% over the past five years and dropped 9% over the past year.

The retailers’ stock market performances reflect their sharp divergence in sales results. Walmart is attracting shoppers across incomes and gaining momentum with online sales and higher-margin businesses like advertising. Target is struggling with slower sales and weaker store traffic. Walmart expects its full-year net sales to rise by 4.8% and 5.1%. Target, on the other hand, is on track for a full-year sales decline.

Walmart CEO John Furner inherited a business that’s “fundamentally sound” and “on a great trajectory,” said Neil Saunders, managing director and retail analyst at GlobalData.

“In many ways, his job is to keep the ship steady and see what he can do to add to the speed,” he said.

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On the other hand, Target CEO Michael Fiddelke has to “sell the Target of the future” after four years of roughly flat annual sales, Saunders said.

“What I think he’ll want to do is to inject some excitement, to say, ‘Look, I’m really excited about this role. I’m really excited about where Target could go. We are going to change things. We’re going to become a different business. We’re going to get back to what we were before,’” he said.

Here’s a closer look at what we know so far about the CEOs’ plans and what investors will listen for during earnings:

Walmart Inc. signage during the company’s listing at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York, US, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.

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Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Walmart: Extending the winning streak

Walmart will report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings before the bell on Thursday.

The retail giant has had a busy few months: Along with getting a new CEO, Walmart’s market cap surpassed $1 trillion in early February. The company also switched its stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 in January, a nod to its aim to be perceived by investors more like its key rival Amazon.

U.S. Markets Edition: Walmart

When longtime CEO Doug McMillon stepped down from the role, he said in an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that he was passing the torch to Furner as the company accelerates its artificial intelligence adoption and reshapes its business and the way its customers shop.

Walmart has announced deals with two major AI chatbot platforms, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, to make it easier for shoppers to find and buy its products.

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Furner, who like his predecessor moved up the ranks at Walmart during decades at the Arkansas-based company, oversaw the largest segment of the company in his previous role as CEO of Walmart U.S. Furner got picked in part because of his success expanding Walmart’s digital business, a pivotal piece of its future, said Kate McShane, a retail analyst for Goldman Sachs.

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announced that its Board of Directors has elected John Furner, 51, to succeed Doug McMillon, 59, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Inc., effective February 1, 2026.

Courtesy: Walmart Inc.

Walmart in May posted its first profitable quarter for its e-commerce business in the U.S. and globally, as its home deliveries, ads business and third-party marketplace all grow.

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Corey Tarlowe, a retail analyst for Jefferies, said Walmart investors “want more of the same” — namely more e-commerce gains, grocery success and market share gains with a wider range of customers, including more affluent shoppers.

Yet Walmart’s results for the holiday quarter could mark an inflection point in the world of retail. Amazon could take the crown as the largest retailer by annual revenue for the first time, even though the company makes a lot of its money from tech services like cloud computing and advertising.

Saunders said the comparison isn’t apples to apples, but is “symbolically important” as the two competitors try to outmatch one another. Walmart has grown in part by leaning on stores to deliver groceries and offer pickup for online orders. Amazon, which recently announced it would shutter Amazon Fresh and Go stores and turn some into Whole Foods locations, had tried to “bolt on” fresh food to its huge existing volume of online orders, he said.

As the nation’s largest grocer by revenue, Walmart also is fending off the expansion of privately held discounter Aldi, and could feel the heat turned up by supermarket operator Kroger, which recently hired Walmart alumnus Greg Foran as its new CEO.

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In a memo sent to employees on his second day at CEO, Furner said his leadership will be shaped by his more than 32 years at Walmart, adding he believes the company “is well-positioned to lead in this next era of retail.”

“This next era will unlock new ways to bring our people-led, tech-powered vision to life,” he said in the memo. “By leveraging our global scale, we can better serve customers and members with speed, reliability, and greater experiences, wherever they choose to shop with us.”

He said that strategy is already coming to life as “technology and AI are helping reduce friction in our work, simplify decisions, improve inventory flow, and free up time so you can focus on what matters most: serving customers and members and one another.”

Customers shop at a Target store on Feb. 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Scott Olson | Getty Images

Target: Chasing a comeback

For Fiddelke, Target’s earnings report could be the deepest look yet at the cheap chic discounter’s roadmap to return to growth.

The company is chasing a comeback and plans to share its holiday-quarter results and current fiscal year expectations on March 3 at a financial meeting at its Minneapolis headquarters.

The big-box retailer has struggled with a laundry list of challenges, including declining visits to its stores and website, customer complaints about store conditions and backlash to the company’s political and social stances, such as its rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion pledges and its decision not to publicly oppose the surge of immigration enforcement in its hometown.

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As sales decline, Target has shrunken its workforce. It cut 1,800 corporate roles last year in its first major layoff in a decade.

Target’s earnings report is more highly anticipated than Walmart’s because there are so many questions about its turnaround strategy and how long it may take, Goldman Sachs’ McShane said. Investors have debated how much the company may need to invest in merchandising, marketing and store labor to boost its sales.

“Walmart has pursued a much more aggressive digital agenda than Target between their omnichannel and their automation and their marketplace,” she said.

She added that while Target doesn’t want to be Amazon or Walmart, “they have to figure out who they want to be and how to compete.”

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Target’s Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke will take over as CEO from Brian Cornell.

Courtesy of Target

Already, Fiddelke has sent signals that he is making changes. Last week, he announced in an email to employees that the company will step up store staffing, though Fiddelke and the company declined to say how much it would invest in additional hours for employees. It is also cutting about 500 roles at distribution centers and regional offices.

Fiddelke shook up Target’s leadership team effective Sunday, bringing back the role of chief merchant and announcing a high-profile departure. Cara Sylvester, formerly chief guest experience officer, became Target’s chief merchandising officer, and Lisa Roath, formerly chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty, succeeded Fiddelke as chief operating officer.

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At the same time, Chief Commercial Officer Rick Gomez is leaving the company after more than a decade, and Jill Sando, chief merchandising officer for apparel and accessories, home and toys and entertainment division Fun101, will retire.

Target has also opened a new concept store in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. While the location is one of a kind, its focus on fashion may inspire more changes at stores across the country and in the suburbs, McShane said.

That push to feature stronger products is a major piece of Fiddelke’s strategy. In an email to employees and customers during his first week, Fiddelke laid out four priorities: sharpening Target’s merchandising, improving the customer experience, speeding along technology and strengthening the company’s workforce and its surrounding communities.

Jefferies’ Tarlowe said Target’s upcoming investor event is “a chance for them to essentially communicate to everybody and say ‘We hear what you want. Here’s how we are going to deliver on it.’”

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“Change is happening, it’s a question of does the market see it and appreciate it,” he said.

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REMX: The Geopolitics Of A US REE Stockpile Depletion (NYSEARCA:REMX)

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This article was written by

Sean Daly writes on ETFs, biotech and FINTECH solutions in the banking space.  He teaches international finance and financial risk management at Pace University and was a visiting lecturer at Princeton University from 2005 to 2009.  He was educated at Columbia University.  He has also written extensively on real estate and  economic development, exploring issues as diverse as Chinese urbanization, CMI multilateral currency swap arrangements, energy geopolitics, and Asia’s sovereign wealth funds.    Global strategy and private equity background. Equity Approach: long/short, event-driven, with a focus on small cap biotech and the emerging markets.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in REMX over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Authorities Urge Continued Vigilance and Tips from the Public

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Nancy Guthrie

More than six weeks after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Tucson home, the investigation into her disappearance remains active but without a named suspect or confirmed arrest, authorities said March 13, 2026, as the case entered its 41st day.

Savannah Guthrie & Nancy Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie & Nancy Guthrie

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided the latest update, stating investigators believe the abduction was targeted and they have a working theory on motive, though he declined to elaborate publicly. “We believe we know why he did this, and we believe that it was targeted,” Nanos said in an interview, adding he could not rule out the possibility of the perpetrator striking again. He emphasized the home was specifically chosen, but stressed the investigation continues to explore all angles.

Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, after family members dropped her off following dinner and game night. She failed to appear for a virtual church service the next morning, prompting her family to report her missing Feb. 1. Authorities quickly determined she had been taken against her will, possibly in the middle of the night, describing the incident as a kidnapping.

Evidence collected includes DNA from black gloves found at the scene that did not match Nancy or her inner circle, though recent analysis led to a dead end. Investigators continue reviewing laboratory material, images and videos from cameras, including doorbell footage and neighborhood surveillance. A mysterious internet service disruption on the night of the abduction has drawn FBI scrutiny, with some neighbors reporting Ring camera histories unavailable from that period.

Multiple purported ransom notes have surfaced, demanding millions in Bitcoin with deadlines that passed without resolution. The family has posted emotional video pleas directly addressing potential captors, with Savannah Guthrie and siblings Annie and Camron saying “we will pay” and urging her safe return. On Feb. 24, they announced a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery, supplementing the FBI’s $100,000 offer. Tips can be submitted to 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI have cleared all family members, including Savannah Guthrie, her siblings and spouses, as suspects. Sheriff Nanos described the Guthries as cooperative victims in the case.

Savannah Guthrie, who has been off air since early February to support her family in Arizona, made an emotional visit to the “Today” studio in New York on March 5. She addressed colleagues, expressing gratitude for their support and affirming her intention to return to the anchor desk. “I’m still standing, and I still have hope, and I’m still me,” she said, holding onto faith and quoting her mother: “Where else would I go?” A network spokesperson confirmed she plans to resume on-air duties but remains focused on family and efforts to bring Nancy home.

Public support has poured in, with flowers left at Nancy’s Catalina Foothills home and widespread prayers shared online. Savannah posted a photo of the tributes March 2, noting one month since the abduction and asking people not to stop praying and hoping.

Investigators have followed thousands of tips, analyzed a damaged utility box near the residence (deemed unrelated by the sheriff but still examined by the FBI), and reviewed vehicles in the area. A Honda belonging to daughter Annie was impounded briefly for examination and is expected to be returned soon.

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The case has captivated national attention, blending the high-profile status of Savannah Guthrie with the mystery of a seemingly random yet targeted crime against an elderly woman described as humble, faithful and proud of her family. No cognitive issues were reported for Nancy, who was in good health.

As the search stretches into March, authorities urge continued vigilance and tips from the public. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office and FBI stress the investigation is far from over, with ongoing forensic work and analysis of digital and physical evidence.

The Guthrie family continues to hold out hope, their pleas underscoring a desperate wait for resolution in a case that has raised more questions than answers.

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Italy’s Court Upholds Citizenship Limits, Millions Lose Automatic Right

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Italy's Court Upholds Citizenship Limits, Millions Lose Automatic Right

Italy’s Constitutional Court on March 13, 2026, upheld the 2025 law restricting citizenship by descent, confirming that millions of people with distant Italian ancestry no longer qualify for automatic recognition.

The decision rejected challenges to Law 74/2025 (formerly Decree-Law 36/2025, or the Tajani Decree), which caps jure sanguinis transmission at parents or grandparents born in Italy. Retroactive from March 27, 2025, the rule excludes claims through great-grandparents or further back unless specific residency conditions apply.

Italy's Court Upholds Citizenship Limits, Millions Lose Automatic Right
Italy’s Court Upholds Citizenship Limits, Millions Lose Automatic Right

The court found the restrictions constitutional, citing state interests in preventing abuse, managing consular backlogs and preserving citizenship integrity. A full written ruling is expected soon.

Introduced as an emergency measure in March 2025 and converted in May, the law addressed massive application volumes — some consulates faced decades-long waits — and concerns over passport commercialization. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called it essential to restore order.

An estimated 80 million people worldwide claim Italian descent, with large communities in Brazil, Argentina and the United States. Many sought EU citizenship for mobility, work and travel benefits. The change affects those born abroad with another citizenship unless proving a direct recent link.

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Grandparent-based claims remain valid only if the grandparent was born in Italy; earlier generations no longer confer automatic rights. Applications filed before the cutoff continue under old rules, with roughly 60,000 such cases pending.

The ruling follows a July 2025 decision affirming citizenship from birth, which had raised hopes for overturning retroactivity. Instead, the March outcome solidifies the narrower framework.

Other 2026 updates include a February Palermo court ruling allowing some Italo-Argentinian applicants blocked by consulate delays to proceed under pre-law rules. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on retroactivity for pre-2025 births on April 11, and the long-standing “minor issue” (naturalization breaking transmission) may see resolution later this year.

Parliament passed Bill 1683 in January 2026, shifting adult jure sanguinis processing to a centralized Rome office from 2029 with annual quotas. Consulates handle cases through 2028.

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Critics argue the law severs cultural ties for diaspora communities formed during 19th- and 20th-century emigration. Supporters say it curbs exploitation and eases administrative strain.

Alternatives for those now ineligible include 10-year residency naturalization (sometimes reduced) or citizenship by marriage (two years). Reacquisition remains open until December 31, 2027, for certain pre-1992 losses.

Diaspora groups expressed disappointment, with some planning further appeals. Immigration lawyers recommend checking family records for qualifying links or pre-cutoff filings.

The affirmed restrictions mark a major shift in Italy’s citizenship policy, closing a long-open door to global Italian heritage while preserving pathways for closer ties.

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Pizza Chains Offer $3.14 Specials, BOGO Offers and More

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Nancy Guthrie

National Pi Day on March 14, 2026, brought a wave of promotions from pizza chains and other eateries, with deals centered on $3.14 prices, buy-one-get-one offers and discounted pies to celebrate the mathematical constant 3.14.

National Pi Day 2026 Deals
National Pi Day 2026 Deals

The unofficial holiday, honoring the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, has evolved into a major food event, particularly for pizza — a circular favorite. Chains nationwide rolled out specials Saturday, many requiring app downloads, loyalty sign-ups or in-store visits at participating locations.

Pizza Hut led with multiple offers. Customers could buy one medium or large “Create Your Own” pizza and get another free, available through DoorDash and in-store while supplies lasted. Separately, Pizza Hut promoted a $10 large three-topping pizza on choices like the new Hand-Tossed, Tavern Style or Thin ‘N Crispy crusts for carryout or delivery at select spots.

Blaze Pizza offered a standout buy-one-get-one deal: purchase one 11-inch pizza and get a second of equal or lesser value for $3.14 in-store on March 14. App users received a digital code for a separate BOGO Simple Pie cheese pizza redeemable from March 14 through April 6. DoorDash amplified the promotion with a free 11-inch cheese pizza when buying one through the app during the extended period.

Papa Johns provided rewards members a BOGO-style offer: buy one large or extra-large pizza at regular price and get another for $3.14 on Pi Day. Members also gained access to exclusive deals through March 20. Other ongoing specials included Papa Pairings at $6.99 each for two or more items and large one-topping carryout for $7.99.

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Domino’s highlighted its “best deal ever” with any pizza up to seven toppings for $9.99, plus select items at $6.99 each when buying two. The chain’s promotions focused on value rather than direct $3.14 ties but aligned with the holiday spirit.

7-Eleven and Speedway gave 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members whole pizzas for $3.14 in stores or via the 7NOW Delivery app. Speedy Café locations offered large one-topping pizzas with customizable toppings and three-cheese blend for the same price.

Marco’s Pizza let customers buy any large or extra-large pizza and add a medium one-topping for $3.14 using code PIDAY online or in-phone orders.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza rewarded Mountain Rewards members: purchase any medium pizza and get a second one-topping medium for $3.14.

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Other participants included Uno Pizzeria & Grill with a second pizza of equal or lesser value for $3.14 on regular-priced deep dish or thin crust (use code BOGO314 online), &pizza with additional pies for $3.14 using code PIDAY, and Papa Murphy’s with 31.4% off regular-priced items via code PIDAY26 online or in-app.

Sweet treats rounded out celebrations. Burger King gave Royal Perks members a free Hershey’s Sundae Pie or Cinnamon Apple Pie with any $3.14 purchase. Some chains offered pie discounts, though pizza dominated.

Deals varied by location and often required loyalty enrollment or apps. Chains urged checking websites or apps for availability, as promotions were while supplies lasted and excluded some items.

Pi Day, recognized by Congress in 2009, blends math appreciation with fun food promotions. This year’s offers reflected growing participation, with delivery platforms like DoorDash aggregating chain specials for convenience.

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As March 14 passed, many extended deals lingered into April, giving latecomers chances to save. The day proved a win for pizza lovers seeking affordable slices in honor of an irrational number.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

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Where to Watch La Liga Match?

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Cooper Flagg

Girona FC hosts Athletic Club in a La Liga Round 28 clash at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with kickoff at 1:00 p.m. local time (8:00 a.m. ET / 5:00 a.m. PT in the U.S., 10:42 p.m. KST in South Korea on March 14). Fans worldwide can stream the game through official broadcasters and platforms, though availability varies by region due to La Liga’s global rights distribution.

Girona
Girona

In the United States, the match streams live on ESPN+ (in English and Spanish), ESPN Deportes (TV channel for Spanish commentary) and ESPN Select. FuboTV carries the game as well, offering a free trial for new subscribers to access ESPN Deportes and related channels. Viewers in the U.S. can start streaming via ESPN+ or Fubo at the scheduled time, with no blackouts reported for this fixture.

For international audiences, options include DAZN in several countries (such as Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan and parts of Europe), where subscribers can watch in HD on demand or live. beIN Sports holds rights in France and the Middle East/North Africa, streaming on beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports MAX 8 and myCANAL. In some regions like Ethiopia, SuperSport Football Plus ROA and DStv Now provide coverage.

Free options remain limited. In France, Free (free.fr) occasionally broadcasts select La Liga matches, but confirmation for this game requires checking local listings. No fully free global stream exists for this matchup, as La Liga prioritizes paid platforms to support club revenues.

The game pits 15th-placed Girona against 10th-placed Athletic Club in a mid-table battle. Girona, coming off a mixed season with strong home form at Montilivi, aims to capitalize on their passionate crowd. Athletic Club, known for its Basque-only policy and high pressing, enters with momentum from recent results, making this a competitive encounter.

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Pre-match coverage starts about 30 minutes before kickoff on most services. ESPN+ and Fubo offer English and Spanish audio options, while DAZN and beIN provide multilingual commentary depending on the market.

To watch reliably, especially from Incheon, South Korea (where the match airs late Saturday evening local time), use a VPN if regional restrictions apply, connecting to a U.S. or European server for ESPN+ or DAZN access. Services like ExpressVPN or NordVPN support streaming and comply with terms of use for legitimate accounts.

Illegal streams on unofficial sites pose risks like malware, poor quality and legal issues; stick to official broadcasters for the best experience and to support the league.

Key viewing details:

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– **Kickoff:** 13:00 UTC / 1:00 p.m. CET / 8:00 a.m. ET / 5:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 p.m. KST (March 14)
– **Venue:** Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona
– **U.S. Stream:** ESPN+, ESPN Deportes (via Fubo, DirecTV, etc.)
– **International:** DAZN (multiple countries), beIN Sports (France/MENA), SuperSport (Africa)
– **Free Trial Options:** Fubo (U.S.), DAZN (where available)

The match promises tactical intrigue, with Girona’s attacking flair clashing against Athletic’s defensive solidity. Live updates, highlights and post-match analysis will follow on ESPN, Flashscore and FotMob apps for those unable to stream live.

As La Liga’s 2025-26 season progresses, fixtures like this highlight the league’s competitiveness beyond the traditional big three. Tune in via the platforms listed for full coverage.

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