FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023: Match schedule revealed
The tournament matches will be held between December 12 and 22 in Jeddah…
Footie fans, the path is set. Jeddah hosted the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 draw on Tuesday (September 5), where the match schedule was revealed.
The tournament will be played in Al Ittihad’s home city, Jeddah, from Tuesday December 12 to Friday December 22.
Draw results and fixtures
The tournament’s opening round will see New Zealand’s Auckland City facing off against Al-Ittihad on December 12 at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah.
The winner will advance to face African champion Al Ahly of Egypt in the second round for a place in the semi-finals against the champion of South America.
In the same round, Club León from Mexico will square off against Japan’s Urawa Reds. The winners of the two matches will qualify for the semi-finals to face English powerhouse Manchester City and the yet-to-be-determined Copa Libertadores champions.
The tournament’s South American representative – the Copa Libertadores is currently at its semi-final stage – which will not be decided until November 4, will complete its lineup.
This is the 20th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. Taking place for the first time in Saudi Arabia, the FIFA Club World Cup is a seven-team competition featuring the champions of the six continental confederations, together with the host country’s domestic champions.
This year’s event will be the final in its current format before the Club World Cup expands to a 32-team tournament in June 2025.
First round (Match 1)
Al-Ittihad FC vs Auckland City FC
Tuesday 12 December, 9pm, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
Second round (Matches 2 & 3)
Al Ahly FC vs Winner of Match 1
Friday 15 December, 9pm, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
Club León vs Urawa Reds
Friday 15 December, 5.30pm, Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium
Semi-finals (Matches 4 & 5)
CONMEBOL representative vs Winner of Match 2
Monday 18 December, 9pm, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
Winner of Match 3 vs Manchester City FC
Tuesday 19 December, 9pm, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
Play-off for third place & final (Matches 6 & 7)
Third place
Friday 22 December, 5.30pm, Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium
Final
Friday 22 December, 9pm, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
Images: FIFA World Cup