FIFA Announces Jeddah As Host City for 2023 Club World Cup, Al-Ittihad’s Hometown Excitement Grows
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 27th, 2023: In an official statement on Monday, FIFA declared that the forthcoming 2023 Club World Cup is set to be hosted in Jeddah, the city where Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Arabian champions, hail from. The club recently made headlines by signing Karim Benzema. The tournament, scheduled from December 12 to 22, will be the final edition following this format before the introduction of a 32-team version in the United States in 2025.
FIFA has designated the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium as the venues for the 2023 tournament, capable of accommodating approximately 62,000 and 27,000 spectators, respectively. Karim Benzema, aiming to defend the trophy he helped Real Madrid win in February, will strive to repeat his success, triumphing over Saudi club Al-Hilal in the final held in Morocco.
The next tournament will commence with a first-round match between Al-Ittihad and Auckland City, the reigning champion of Oceania. The victor will progress to the second round, joining León of Mexico, Al-Ahly of Egypt, and Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan.
Manchester City, the Champions League winner, and the South American champion will enter the competition at the semifinal stage, with the Copa Libertadores final slated for November 4.
For the expanded tournament in 2025, each continental champion from 2021 to 2024, except Oceania, will also earn direct qualification.
In February, FIFA selected Saudi Arabia as the host country for the 2023 Club World Cup, as part of the kingdom’s ambitious efforts to leave a lasting impact on the global sports stage. Saudi Arabia is actively getting ready to host the 2027 Asian Cup, and their participation in the bidding process for the men’s 2034 World Cup is highly anticipated, with expectations of them being a formidable contender.
