FIFA Club World Cup could be coming to the United States
The next FIFA Club World Cup could be coming to the United States. According to recent reports, the international governing body of soccer eyes a new venue for the tournament. Previously, the frontrunners for hosting were China and the United Arab Emirates. Nevertheless, neither country reached a final agreement with FIFA.
There is no indication as to what cities would host games in the Club World Cup in the United States.
As of early September, no final decision of official. However, the United States moved to the head of the line when it comes to hosting the competition. If secured, it would take place likely in February of 2023. Traditionally, the tournament occurs in December of each year. Yet, FIFA bumped the last two competitions into February of the following year, and the ‘2022’ version looks to follow suit.
Scheduling the Club World Cup
Scheduling dates for the upcoming Club World Cup are something to keep an eye on. It makes sense to put the FIFA Club World Cup in December of each year, as it pits that year’s continental winners against one another. However, with the World Cup set for November and December, FIFA likely does not want to stack tournaments in quick succession. The likely timeframe for the tournament in 2023 falls into Feb 6-12, a good two months removed from the World Cup.
The United States is being considered as the host for the Club World Cup in February 2023, per @As_TomasRoncero pic.twitter.com/4T81xFwWlp
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 9, 2022
Even then, certain competitions have schedule constraints. The UEFA Champions League knockout stage takes place Feb. 14 and 15. In Spain, the Copa del Rey looks set for the eighth and ninth of the same month. Real Madrid is a likely contender in both of these competitions. Plus, it represents UEFA at the Club World Cup. Consequently, February would be a hectic month, to say the least, for Los Blancos. The simple solution for this scenario would be for the Spanish Football Federation to move the Copa del Rey matchdays, should Real Madrid be involved.
FIFA Club World Cup in the United States brings change
The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States would bring change for a number of reasons. First off, it would be the first time this tournament finds a host in North America. The traditional host is an Asian country, whether that be Japan, the UAE or Qatar.
Also, FIFA wants to expand the tournament to 24 teams. Previously, the competition only allowed spots to the continental cup champions, plus the winners of the host’s domestic league. FIFA plans on having 24 teams in the competition divided into eight groups of three. However, UEFA wants less representation in order to partake in its own competitions.
Some sides are guaranteed to play, regardless if the quantity of teams rises. UEFA’s representative is Real Madrid. MLS side Seattle Sounders won the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time, punching its ticket to the Club World Cup, which could very well be in the United States as a home advantage.
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Wherever the next Club World Cup takes place, FOX Sports and Telemundo will broadcast the tournament here in the U.S.
PHOTO: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT