According to FIFA, Jeddha will host the 2023 Club World Cup
FIFA announced on Monday that the 2023 Club World Cup would be held in Jeddah, the home city of Saudi Arabia’s national champion Al-Ittihad, who have signed Karim Benzema.
For the competition from December 12 to 22, Al-Ittihad will be joined by the six continental club champions, including Champions League champion Manchester City. Before the 32-team version debuts in the United States in 2025, this edition will be the last under that configuration.
According to FIFA, the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium will host the 2023 competition. Approximately 62,000 and 27,000 spectators may fit in each, respectively.
The trophy that Benzema helped Real Madrid win in February by defeating Saudi side Al-Hilal in the final held in Morocco will be up for grabs this time around.
Al-Ittihad will play Oceania champion Auckland City in the opening round of the next competition. The victor joins León of Mexico, Al-Ahly of Egypt, and Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan in the second round.
At the semifinal level, Man City and the South American champion enter. The Copa Libertadores championship game is on November 4.
Except for Oceania, each continental champion from 2021 through 2024 automatically qualifies for the 2025 tournament’s enlarged field.
As part of an ambitious campaign to have a greater effect on international sports, FIFA chose Saudi Arabia in February to host the 2023 Club World Cup.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Cup in 2027, and it is anticipated that it will be a strong candidate to host the men’s World Cup in 2034.
