Manchester City take part in the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia later this month thanks to last season’s UEFA Champions League win.
The prestigious competition does not begin until Sunday 19th December for Manchester City – despite the FIFA Club World Cup kicking off on Tuesday 12th December.
That is because Manchester City will start their FIFA Club World Cup campaign at the Semi-Final stage.
So, why do Manchester City start the FIFA Club World Cup at that point? Let’s take a look…
Why Manchester City start the FIFA Club World Cup at the Semi-Final stage
Well, the FIFA Club World Cup consists of the following champions from across the globe.
- Manchester City – Winners of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League
- Fluminense – Winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores
- Urawa Red Diamonds – Winners of the 2022 AFC Champions League
- Al Ahly – Winners of the 2022/23 CAF Champions League
- León – Winners of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League
- Auckland City – Winners of the 2023 OFC Champions League
- Al Ittihad – Winners of the 2022/23 Saudi Pro League
However, these champions are not simply thrown into the FIFA Club World Cup all at the same time.
Manchester City are allowed to start their FIFA Club World Cup campaign at the Semi-Final stage due to the club’s status as UEFA Champions League winners.
Becoming champions of Europe is – with all due respect – the most difficult accomplishment of all those taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup have achieved, so it is only fair.
Manchester City confirmed on the club’s official website that their status as reigning European champions is the reason for starting the FIFA Club World Cup at the Semi-Final stage.
You can see when each side competing in the FIFA Club World Cup begin their campaign below.
FIFA Club World Cup 1st Round
- Auckland City
- Al Ittihad
FIFA Club World Cup 2nd Round
- Urawa Red Diamonds
- Al Ahly
- León
FIFA World Cup Semi-Final Round
- Manchester City
- Fluminense
Confirmed FIFA Club World Cup fixtures
Manchester City will face the winners of the second round clash between Urawa Red Diamonds and Mexico’s Leon on Sunday 19th December.
There are already two confirmed FIFA Club World Cup fixtures.
Auckland City meet Al Ittihad on Tuesday 12th December.
León then face Urawa Red Diamonds on Friday 15th December – with Manchester City taking on the winner, as aforesaid.
If the treble winners win the FIFA Club World Cup – however – they will not be allowed to wear the golden shirt patch in Premier League action.
(Correction: The Premier League have since made the surprise decision to allow the FIFA Champions Badge to be worn by Manchester City)
