FIFA has officially announced the match schedule for the 2023 Club World Cup, set to be held in Saudi Arabia this year. The FIFA previously set the date for the tournament draw on Thursday, September 7, at 9 PM Mecca time in a formal ceremony in Jeddah. In an official statement released on its website, FIFA announced that the opening match of the Club World Cup will feature Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia (the host country representative) against Auckland City of New Zealand (the Oceania Champions League winner) on December 12.
**Match Schedule for the Club World Cup:**
- Opening Match: December 12
- Second Round: December 15
- Semi-Finals: December 18
- Third Place Play-off: December 21
- Final Match: December 21
**Participating Teams in the Club World Cup:**
- Urawa Reds (AFC Champions League 22-23 Winner)
- Auckland City (Oceania Champions League Winner)
- Al-Ittihad (Host Country Representative)
- Club León (CONCACAF Champions League)
- Manchester City (UEFA Champions League)
- Al Ahly (CAF Champions League)
