The Club World Cup will kick off this Tuesday the 12th, with the clash between Marcelo Gallardo’s Al Ittihad, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté, against Auckland City from New Zealand. The winner will play the quarterfinals against Egypt’s Al Ahly on Friday the 15th. On the same day, but on the other side of the bracket, Mexico’s León will face Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.
The world’s attention will focus on the Middle East to crown a new champion, with UEFA and Conmebol teams as favorites and others looking to make an impact. Additionally, several players and coaches are expected to make headlines.
Teams participating in the Club World Cup:
Manchester City (UEFA): Pep Guardiola’s team clinched the Champions League title for the first time in their history and will be present in the top club competition. However, it seems that the Citizens may not have all their stars in the Middle East. While Kevin De Bruyne has yet to play this season, Erling Haaland suffered an unexpected injury. Julián Álvarez is the only Argentine in the English squad.
Fluminense (Conmebol): Fernando Diniz’s Flu defeated Boca at the Maracanã and won the Copa Libertadores for the first time. Although they couldn’t secure the Brasileirao title (won by Palmeiras), the Brazilian team trusts in the performance of Germán Cano, the continental tournament’s top scorer and one of the highest scorers in 2023. The squad also boasts figures like Marcelo, Ganso, Kennedy, and Felipe Melo.
Al Ittihad (Host): Marcelo Gallardo’s team earned a spot in the Club World Cup by winning the Saudi Pro League 2022/23, surpassing Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. As the tournament includes the participation of the team crowned in the host country, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, and company have a great chance to be crowned champions. It will be Muñeco’s third appearance after being with River in 2015 (final vs. Barcelona) and 2018 (semifinals vs. Al-Ain).
Club León (Concacaf): In 2023, León won its first Concachampions and will have the privilege of participating in the Club World Cup. In the final, played over two legs, they defeated Los Angeles FC 3-1. The squad includes Argentinians Adonis Frías and Lucas Romero.
Urawa Red Diamonds (Asia): The Red Devils qualified by winning the 2022 Asian Champions League, defeating Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the final. However, the team’s current form is not the best; they lost six of their last nine matches and lack international stars.
Al Ahly (Africa): The biggest team in Africa is once again in the Club World Cup. They secured their 11th Champions League title by beating Wydad of Morocco 3-2 on aggregate in the 2022/23 edition. Despite never reaching the final, they achieved third place in 2006, 2020, and 2021. Their most important player is Frenchman Anthony Modeste, with a past at Borussia Dortmund.
Auckland City (Oceania): Almost a constant in the Club World Cup, Auckland City has won 11 Oceania Champions titles. They participated from 2011 to 2017 and returned in 2022 after a five-year hiatus, winning the final 4-2 against Suva of Fiji. They have an Argentine in their ranks, Emiliano Tade, with minimal experience in Argentine football.
Where the Club World Cup is played
The Club World Cup will be played for the first time in its history in Saudi Arabia. The King Abdullah Sports City and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, both in Jeddah, will be the tournament’s venues. Previously, the championship has been held in Brazil, Japan (8 times), the United Arab Emirates (5), Morocco (3), and Qatar (2). In 2025, the World Cup will move to the United States and change its format.
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