FIFA Club World Cup Fixtures

The FIFA Club World Cup brings together the champions from each of FIFA’s six continental confederations, along with the host nation’s league champion, in a battle for global club supremacy. The tournament showcases diverse football styles and often produces thrilling encounters. Here’s a breakdown of the typical fixture structure:

Tournament Structure

The tournament typically features seven teams. The exact format can vary slightly depending on the host nation, but the core structure remains consistent:

• First Round: The host nation’s champion faces the OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) champion. The winner of this match advances to the Second Round.
• Second Round:
  • The AFC (Asian Football Confederation) champion plays against the CAF (African Football Confederation) champion.
  • The winner of the First Round match plays against the CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean) champion.
• Semi-Finals:
  • The CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) champion enters the tournament at this stage and plays the winner of either the AFC/CAF match or the First Round winner/CONCACAF match. This is determined by the tournament draw.
  • The UEFA (European Football Confederation) champion (usually the UEFA Champions League winner) also enters at this stage and plays the remaining Second Round winner.
• Third-Place Play-off: The two losing semi-finalists compete for third place.
• Final: The two semi-final winners compete for the FIFA Club World Cup title.

Typical Match Schedule

While the specific dates and times change each year depending on the host nation and the continental club seasons, here’s a general idea of the fixture schedule flow:

• Day 1-3: First Round match, followed by the first of the two Second Round matches.
• Day 4-6: The second of the two Second Round matches.
• Day 7-9: The first Semi-Final match, featuring the CONMEBOL champion.
• Day 10-12: The second Semi-Final match, featuring the UEFA champion.
• Day 13-15: The Third-Place Play-off and the Final.

Key Considerations

Keep in mind that match dates and kickoff times are confirmed closer to the tournament. The draw for the Second Round and Semi-Final pairings adds an element of anticipation. Teams from UEFA and CONMEBOL, entering in the semi-finals, are often considered favorites due to the perceived strength of their leagues, but upsets can and do happen. The tournament offers a fascinating glimpse into the global football landscape, showcasing various playing styles and emerging talents.