The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup draw has been made in Jeddah with City now knowing our potential semi-final opponents.
City will take on the winners of the Second Round tie between Mexican side Club Leon and Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds for a place in the final.
If City progress, Pep Guardiola’s men could then face any one of several teams from the second semi-final, with the South American representatives yet to be determined.
Boca Juniors or Palmeiras will take on the winner of Fluminense v Internacional in the Copa Libertadores final which is held on 4 November in Rio de Janeiro.
One of the above South American sides will face either Al Ahly, Al-Ittihad or Auckland City – and the winner of that game will play City, Club Leon, or Urawa Red Diamonds in the final on 22 December in Jeddah.
The losing semi-finalists will contest a third place play-off the same day.
BACKGROUND
The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup will take place between December 12-23 in Saudi Arabia.
Seven teams from six different confederations will compete, with City entering the tournament for the first time as winners of the UEFA Champions League.
This is the 20th FIFA Club World Cup and the last one in its present format, with the competition expanding to 32 teams in 2025.
City will be entering at the semi-final stage.
The first round will be contested between two teams – Saudi Pro-League champions Al-Ittihad and the winners of the Oceana Club Championship, Auckland City of New Zealand.
The winners of that game will face Al-Ahly in the Second Round.
The other Second Round tie will be contested between Club Leon and Urawa Red Diamonds.
SCHEDULE
First Round
Al-Ittihad (SAU) v Auckland City (NZ)
Second Round
Al Ahly (EGY) v Al-Ittihad (SAU) or Auckland City (NZ)
Club Leon (MEX) v Urawa Reds (JPN)
Semi-finals
CONMEBOL representative v Winner of Match 2 (Al Ahly, Al-Ittihad or Auckland City)
Manchester City v Club Leon or Urawa Reds
Confirmation of fixture dates and times to follow…
