IFFHS WORLD NEWS - THE FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP
Picture : Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup last year.
FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP (1 to 11 FEBRUARY 2023)
After five consecutive editions in the Middle East, the FIFA Club World Cup returns to Morocco, which hosted the tournament in 2013 and 2014. Real Madrid, the reigning European champions, have claimed the title four times, including in Morocco in 2014 and will enter in the semi-finals on February 8 playing in Rabat against either CONCACAF champions Seattle Sounders, Egyptian giants Al Ahly or New Zealand's Auckland City, the champions of Oceania. The other semi-final will see last year's Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo take on either Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia or Wydad Casablanca. Brazilian clubs have won the Club World Cup four times, most recently through Corinthians in 2012.
The host nation is represented by Wydad winner of last year's CAF Champions League, and Al Ahly –- the team they beat in the final –- have been invited to take part as well. Walid Regragui led Wydad to that continental title before taking Morocco on a historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar. The competition kicks off today when Al Ahly –- the record 10-time African champions who have finished third at the last two Club World Cups –- play Auckland City in Tangier. The tournament will see a refereeing first after the International Football Association Board approved a trial that will allow fans in the stadium to hear officials explain decisions taken after VAR reviews.
