Club World Cup: How to watch on tv, who's involved, fixtures & more
By Tom Gott
We're still playing catch-up with our tournaments. We've just had the 2020 Copa Libertadores, and now that that's sorted, we can get going with the 2020 Club World Cup.
The champions of each confederation have all headed to Qatar to battle it out for global supremacy, taking the crown away from holders Liverpool.
Here's all you need to know about this year (last year?)'s competition.
Who is in the Club World Cup?
? It's a tournament that has provided unforgettable moments and been illuminated by some all-time greats ?
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) February 4, 2021
? With the opening match just a few hours away, who do you think will win the FIFA Club World Cup? ?#TBT | #ClubWC pic.twitter.com/c45GDJ6MLC
The first team to qualify for the competition were Champions League winners Bayern Munich, who were soon joined by African champions Al-Ahly.
South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai and CONCACAF champions Tigres UANL, eventually followed by Palmeiras, who booked their spot by beating fellow Brazilians Santos in the Copa Libertadores final in January.
As winners of the host's domestic league, Qatar champions Al-Duhail will be flying the flag for the Stars League, and they were supposed to be joined by New Zealand's Auckland City, who withdrew from the competition due to COVID-19.
When are the games played?
?️ “In 2011, we outclassed Santos in the final. They had a really good team with players like Ganso and Neymar, but we had a fantastic generation led by Pep Guardiola."
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) February 4, 2021
? As the latest edition looms, two-time #ClubWC champion Xavi reflects on a masterclass from @FCBarcelona ?
The first round was actually supposed to be held on February 1, with Al-Duhail set to go up against Auckland, but the New Zealanders' withdrawal saw Al-Duhail handed an automatic bye into the second round.
Four teams will enter the second round on February 4, before the semi-finals are held on February 7 and 8.
The two successful teams will then head to Al Rayyan's Education Stadium to battle it out for the silverware on February 11.
When do Bayern Munich enter?
?️ "We want to crown an outstanding year."@esmuellert_ interview ⬇️#FinalMissi6n
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) February 4, 2021
The favourites to win the competition, Bayern will enter the competition at the semi-final stage, meaning they only have to win two games to walk away with the trophy.
The team from Europe have won the competition every year since 2012, when Chelsea were stunned by Brazilian side Palmeiras.
Club World Cup fixtures
? The #ClubWC kicks off today ?
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) February 4, 2021
? Who do you see coming out on top in these opening-day clashes? ? pic.twitter.com/BfegCi73SZ
First round
Al-Duhail 3-0 Auckland City
Second round - February 4
UANL vs Ulsan Hyundai (14:00 GMT)
Al-Duhail vs Al Ahly (17:30 GMT)
Semi-final - February 7/8
Palmeiras vs UANL/Ulsan (18:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich vs Al-Duhail/Al Ahly (18:00 GMT)
Final - February 11
TBC vs TBC (18:00 GMT)
How can I watch the Club World Cup?
Which team will dethrone the current holders Liverpool?
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 2, 2021
Watch every game from the Fifa Club World Cup in Qatar live on the BBC.
For viewers in the UK, the BBC will cover the entire tournament, with all matches available to watch on Red Button, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the US, it's Fox Sports who have the rights for the Club World Cup.