There won’t be two Club World Cups in 2021, after all. According to multiple reports, FIFA is expected to push this year’s edition of the competition from its December date to early 2022.
FIFA made the same move for the 2020’s edition of the tournament, moving it to February of this year due to coronavirus pandemic. The UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich were crowned the champions after beating Tigres UANL 1–0.
Before deciding on the date for the Club World Cup, FIFA will also have to find a new host. Japan was previously set to host the 2021 edition of the competition, but the Japanese Football Association (JFA) withdrew its bid in September. The decision was explained by the fact that the country already hosted the Olympics and Paralympics this year.
So far, there are three teams that have already secured participation in the 2021 Club World Cup. Premier League side Chelsea locked their spot by winning the UCL in the 2020-21 season, Egypt’s Al Ahly got in after lifting the CAF Champions League trophy in the summer, while Auckland City got the invite following their nomination by Oceana Football Federation.
Chelsea, Al Ahly, and Auckland City will be joined by respective winners of Copa Libertadores, AFC Champions League, and CONCACAF Champions League. The country selected as a host will also be represented by the club that won the national league in 2021.
