Amidst a packed schedule of football, a prestigious competition is slowly emerging on the horizon. Sandwiched between both domestic and international commitments, the 2023 Fifa Club World Cup is just weeks away.
Similar to its international counterpart, the tournament will also make its way to the Middle East, as Saudi Arabia welcomes seven victors from continents across the globe for one epic showdown.
Premier League juggernauts Manchester City are comfortable favourites. They’ll join the knock-out competition in the semi-final stage, along with Brazilian champions Fluminense.
The 20th edition of the Club World Cup marks the final iteration of the current seven-club format, with plans to expand to a mammoth 32 teams in 2025.
When & Where?
The 2023 Fifa Club World Cup takes place between 12 and 22 December in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The city’s two stadiums will both be used throughout the competition.
King Abdullah Sports City will host five of the seven matches, including City’s entrance in the semi-final, and the final itself. The 62,345-capacity stadium was opened in 2014.
Two matches, including the third-place play-off, will be played at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium. First opened in 1970 and expanded in 2021, the ground holds up to 27,000 spectators.
What Teams Are Playing In The 2023 Club World Cup?
Al Ahly (Egypt) – Winners of the 2022/23 CAF Champions League
Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) – Winners of the 2022/23 Saudi Professional League (host country)
Auckland City (New Zealand) – Winners of the 2023 OFC Champions League
Fluminense (Brazil) – Winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores
Leon (Mexico) – Winners of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League
Manchester City (England) – Winners of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) – Winners of the 2022 AFC Champions League
Fifa Club World Cup Fixtures
Given all the clubs involved are in the throes of their own domestic seasons, fixtures at the 2023 Club World Cup come hard and fast.
First round
Al-Ittihad v Auckland City, 18:00 (UK) on 12 December 2023, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
Second round
Leon v Urawa Red Diamonds, 14:30 (UK) on 15 December 2023, Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah
Al Ahly v Al-Ittihad/Auckland City, 18:00 (UK) on 15 December 2023, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
Semi-finals
Fluminense v Al Ahly/Al-Ittihad/Auckland City, 18:00 (UK) on 18 December 2023, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
Manchester City v Leon/Urawa Red Diamonds, 18:00 (UK) on 19 December 2023, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
Third place play-off
Defeated semi-final sides, 14:30 (UK) on 22 December 2023, Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah
Final
Semi-final winners, 18:00 (UK) on 22 December 2023, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
Previous Winners
Real Madrid emerged as winners in last year’s tournament, besting Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal 5-3 in a thrilling final. Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Barcelona, Corinthians, and Manchester United are all also on the list of previous champions.
Next, check out our events page for more football events in Saudi Arabia.
