RABAT, Morocco — Al-Ahly of Egypt could face European champions Real Madrid in the semi-finals of FIFA’s 2022 Club World Cup – but must first overcome opponents from Oceania and North America.
The Egyptian giants, ten-time champions of Africa, have been drawn against New Zealanders Auckland City in the only first round tie.
Should they win that match, they will take on Seattle Sounders from the USA in round two, with the victors then meeting European champion Real Madrid in the last four of the tournament in Morocco.
The tournament is being held in Morocco and, with reigning African champions Wydad Casablanca also doubling up as the host nation’s representative, Al-Ahly qualify as a second African participant having finished as runners-up to Wydad in last year’s African Champions League final.
Morocco is hosting the Club World Cup in Tangier and Rabat, which will host the final on Feb. 11.
Wydad go straight into round two where they face Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal won the 2021 Asian Champions League – and played in the previous Club World Cup last February, losing to eventual winner Chelsea in the semifinals – but was proposed again because the 2022 Asian champion will not be decided until May.
Brazilian side Flamengo, who like Real advance straight to the semi-final stage, could be Wydad’s last-four opponents on that side of the draw.
Chelsea won last year’s edition of a tournament that global governing body FIFA hopes to expand to 32 teams from 2025.
Who is playing in the 2022 Club World Cup?
Entering in the first round
Al-Ahly (Egypt)
Auckland City (New Zealand)
Entering in the second round
Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Seattle Sounders (United States)
Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
Entering in the semi-finals
Flamengo (Brazil)
Real Madrid (Spain)
When and where is the Club World Cup?
The Club World Cup is being held across two venues in Morocco – in Rabat and Tangier – from February 1 to 11.
How did Real Madrid qualify for Club World Cup?
Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League final in Paris thanks to Vinícius Júnior’s goal just before the hour.
That triumph marked Madrid’s 14th European Cup – extending their lead at the top of the all-time honours board – and was a record-breaking fourth win for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Club World Cup list of winners
Real Madrid 4 (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Barcelona 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
Bayern Munchen 2 (2013, 2021)
Corinthians 2 (2000, 2012)
AC Milan 1 (2007)
Chelsea 1 (2022)
Internacional 1 (2006)
Inter Milan 1 (2010)
Liverpool 1 (2019
Manchester United 1 (2008)
Sao Paulo 1 (2005)
Which nations’ teams are most successful at Club World Cup?
Spain – 7
Brazil – 4
England – 3
Germany, Italy -2
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present for the draw and addressed delegates before proceedings got under way. He thanked Morocco – hosts of the tournament for a third time – and stoked excitement as the countdown continues to discover which side will lift the trophy.
“Congratulations and thank you to Morocco for hosting the champions of all the continents for what will be a very important edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in February,” said the FIFA President Gianni Infantino who was present for the draw.
“When the champions of all the continents meet to crown the champion of the planet, the champion of the world, this is a special occasion, and this will take place in a very special country, in a great football environment,” Infantino added.
“We’re looking very much forward to [coming] to Rabat and to Tangier, to visit an entire country, and to cheer for the champions of all the continents and see who finally will be crowned champion of the world.”
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