On Monday it was time to draw lots again, this time for the Club World Cup. The participants, the mode of play, the matches – everything you need to know about the tournament at a glance.
Date
The Club World Cup, officially FIFA Club World Cup 2021, will run from 3 February to 12 February 2022. The winner for the 2021 edition will therefore not be determined until the new year due to corona – and thus also the successor to Bayern Munich.
Teams
Seven teams are qualified for the Club World Cup: Chelsea FC as Champions League winners of Europe, Al-Ahly (Egypt) as Champions League winners of Africa, Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) as Champions League winners of Asia, CF Monterrey (Mexico) as Champions League winners from the Association of North, Central America and the Caribbean, Al-Jazira as reigning champions of the host country United Arab Emirates – as well as South American Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras Sao Paulo, who beat Flamengo Rio de Janeiro thanks to ex-Cologne player Deyverson. Auckland City were designated as participants by the Oceania FA, the 2021 OFC Champions League having been cancelled due to the Corona pandemic.
Match Schedule
The two representatives from Europe and South America do not advance until the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. Chelsea will face either Al-Hilal or the winner of the opening match between hosts Al-Jazira and Auckland City. In the second semi-final, Palmeiras will face either Al-Ahly or Monterrey. The opening match will take place on 3 February, with the final nine days away.
Mode
If there is a draw after 90 minutes, there will be extra time, followed by a penalty shoot-out if necessary. Only in the matches for fifth and third place respectively would extra time be omitted. After two yellow cards, players are suspended for the next match, likewise in the case of yellow-red and red, although further sanctions may follow here. If a suspension after a sending-off cannot be served during the Club World Cup, it will be carried over to the club’s next competitive match. Video evidence will be used
Special features
The new version with 24 teams and horrendous prize money, originally scheduled for June 2021 in China, has been postponed indefinitely. Initially, Japan stepped in for the 18th edition, but the pandemic situation there made this impossible. In October, it was decided that the Games would be held in the United Arab Emirates.