September 5, 2023 – The FIFA Club World Cup 2023 will be hosted by Saudi Arabia, the first time the tournament will be held in the Middle East, FIFA announced on Tuesday.
FIFA Club World Cup-Image Source: FIFA club world cup official acoount (X)
The tournament will be held from December 12 to 22, 2023, and will feature the champions of the six continental confederations, as well as the host nation’s league champions.
Two Arab teams will compete in the tournament: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad, the champions of the Saudi Professional League, and Egypt’s Al-Ahly, the champions of the CAF Champions League.
The tournament will be played in two stadiums in Jeddah, the King Abdullah Sports City and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.
Al-Ittihad will face New Zealand’s Auckland City in the first round, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.
The path is set! Who will take home the #ClubWC? 🏆
See you in December! 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/B8M7Y7xxI3
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 5, 2023
The other teams competing in the tournament are:
- UEFA: Manchester City (England)
- CONMEBOL: Club América (Mexico)
- CONCACAF: Auckland City (New Zealand)
- AFC: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
- CAF: Al-Ahly (Egypt)
Real Madrid is the most successful team in the history of the FIFA Club World Cup, with five titles. Barcelona is second with three titles.
The tournament is expected to be a major boost for Saudi Arabia’s growing football industry. The country has recently invested heavily in infrastructure and talent development, and is hoping to become a major player in the global game.
