Reigning African champions Al Ahly will start their Club World Cup journey in the second round, where they will face CONCACAF Champions League champions CF Monterrey. 

The winner between giants Al Ahly and Mexico’s Monterrey will face Copa Libertadores champions, Palmeiras of Brazil, for a place in the final.

The tournament, which was initially scheduled to take place between December 9-19, 2021, has been rescheduled to February next year.

Fifa announced that the Club World Cup will run from 3 to 12 February 2022 in the United Arab Emirates as original hosts Japan pulled out due to concerns around the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Red Devils have previously faced their Mexican counterpart twice in the tournament. In 2012, during the third-place playoff, Monterrey came out victorious 2-0. The following year, in the fifth-place decider, Al Ahly suffered a 5-1 thumping. 

Meanwhile, Premier League leaders and European champions Chelsea will play Al Hilal, Al Jazira or Auckland City in semis.

Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal cut being named victors of the 2021 AFC Champions League, Egypt’s Al Ahly through the CAF Champions League and Mexico’s Monterrey through the CONCACAF Champions League. 

The tournament six teams are as follows: 

Chelsea – UEFA Champions League winners

Al Hilal – AFC Champions League winners

Al Ahly – CAF Champions League winners

Monterrey – CONCACAF Champions League winners

Auckland City – OFC representatives

Al Jazira Club – UAE Pro League winners

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