FIFA Club World Cup 2023: Discover the schedule, match details, and the teams set to accompany Manchester City in Jeddah.
The upcoming Fifa Club World Cup marks a historic moment as it ventures into uncharted territory, with Saudi Arabia hosting the tournament for the first time. Among the noteworthy firsts is the participation of European champions Manchester City, making their debut in the competition. They will be joined by formidable teams such as the hosts, Al Ittihad, Egypt’s Al Ahly, and South American champions Fluminense, with the Brazilian side securing their place in Jeddah as the final team.
What is it?
The Fifa Club World Cup is a seven-team tournament that brings together champions from six continental confederations and the host nation’s recent league winners. The 2023 edition is set to make history by debuting in the kingdom, specifically in the vibrant city of Jeddah. While the Gulf has hosted the Club World Cup seven times before, with five occurrences in the UAE and two in Qatar, this tournament represents the final edition in its current format. The 2025 edition will witness an expansion to 32 teams, hosted in the United States.
When is it?
Scheduled from December 12 to December 22, the 2023 tournament will conclude with both the final and the third-place play-off taking place on December 22.
Where is it?
Matches are set to unfold at King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.
Who is playing? (Club World Cup participation in brackets)
- Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) – 2022/23 Saudi Pro League winners (2nd)
- Manchester City (England) – 2022/23 Uefa Champions League winners (1st)
- Fluminense (Brazil) – 2023 Copa Libertadores winners (1st)
- Al Ahly (Egypt) – 2022/23 Caf Champions League winners (9th)
- Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) – 2022 Asian Champions League winners (3rd)
- Club Leon (Mexico) – 2023 Concacaf Champions League winners (1st)
- Auckland City (New Zealand) – 2023 OFC Champions League nominees (11th)
Fixtures (all times Saudi local time)
First round:
- December 12 – Al Ittihad v Auckland City, King Abdullah Sports City, 9 pm
Second round:
- December 15 – Club Leon v Urawa Reds, Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, 5:30 pm
- December 16 – Al Ahly v Winners Match 1, King Abdullah Sports City, 9 pm
Semi-finals:
- December 18 – Fluminense v Winners Match 2, King Abdullah Sports City, 9 pm
- December 19 – Manchester City v Winners Match 3, King Abdullah Sports City, 9 pm
Third-place play-off:
- December 22 – Losers Match 4 v Losers Match 5, Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, 5:30 pm
Final:
- December 22 – Winners Match 4 v Winners Match 5, King Abdullah Sports City, 9 pm
For those eager to witness this football spectacle, tickets for the 2023 Club World Cup start at SAR 40 and can be obtained at FIFA’s official website.
