Geneva: FIFA announced that the draw for the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 will take place September 7.
The world football governing body will live stream the draw from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on its official website Thursday.
Seven teams are set to compete in the tournament. The lineup includes Urawa Reds from Japan, Al Ahly from Egypt, Club Leon from Mexico, Auckland City from New Zealand, Manchester City from England, and Al Ittihad from Saudi Arabia. The winners of the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2023 are yet to be determined, Xinhua reports.
Al Ittihad and Auckland City will face off in the first round December 12. The victors will move on to the second round, joining Urawa Reds, Al Ahly, and Club Leon. Both Manchester City and the CONMEBOL representative have secured byes for the first two rounds, positioning them directly into the semifinals.
Furthermore, FIFA plans to unveil the official emblem for the tournament during the September 7 draw ceremony.