WHAT IS IT?
The Fifa Club World Cup is an annual event organised by football's world governing body that pits against one another the champions of the game's six confederations, together with the host nation. Real Madrid are the Club World Cup holders having won the trophy in Abu Dhabi last December.
WHEN IS IT?
The 2018 Club World Cup will take place in the UAE from December 12-22, marking the fourth time the Emirates has hosted the event. After debuting in 2009, the tournament was successfully staged in the country in 2010 and again last year. Barcelona won in 2009, Inter Milan the following year and Madrid last time out.
WHERE DO THE MATCHES TAKE PLACE?
As was the case last year, the matches will be played at two venues: Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi and the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. There will be eight matches in all, with the final once more held in the capital. Last year's showpiece, between Madrid and Brazil's Gremio, was a sellout.
WHO'S PLAYING?
Al Ain have booked their spot at the tournament by winning the 2017/18 Arabian Gulf League - their first top-flight crown in three years. The Garden City side, the UAE's most decorated club, will make their tournament debut.
Mexico’s CD Guadalajara were the first team to confirm their participation. The Liga MX champions sealed entry to the tournament by defeating Toronto FC on penalties in the final of the Concacaf Champions League. Although Guadalajara landed the trophy for only the second time in their history and first since 1962, they are the tournament's 11th consecutive Mexican winners.
Meanwhile, Oceania’s representatives will be Team Wellington, who defeated Fiji's Lautoka FC in the OFC Champions League final. Europe’s representatives will be decided following the Uefa Champions League final on May 26. The African, Asian and South American entrants will be determined in November.
THE DRAW
Al Ain have been placed in the opposite side of this year's Fifa Club World Cup to defending champions Real Madrid, after the draw took place in Zurich on Tuesday, September 4.
WHAT’S THE LATEST ON TICKETS?
Tickets have yet to be made available, but supporters should check www.FIFA.com/clubworldcup for any updates.
