The International Football Federation (FIFA) decided to modify the schedule for the tournament following the withdrawal of New Zealand's Auckland City from participation due to new health measures implemented in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was originally set to take place between February 1 and 11 in Qatar.
FIFA emphasized in a statement that the format of the competition remains unchanged, but it will be held in only two venues, Education City Stadium and Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, while Khalifa International Stadium will not be used as initially planned for two matches.
The first match of the tournament is now scheduled for February 4 instead of February 1, with the final taking place at Education City Stadium on the 11th of the same month. The competition for the Club World Cup, after Auckland City's withdrawal, is limited to Qatar's Al-Duhail (the host), Egypt's Al Ahly (African champion), Germany's Bayern Munich (European champion), South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai (Asian champion), Mexico's Tigres (CONCACAF champion), along with the winner of the Copa Libertadores, representing South America. This champion will be determined in the final match between Brazilian teams Santos and Palmeiras, set for January 30.
It is worth noting that the draw for the Club World Cup in Qatar will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, in Zurich, Switzerland.
