Reigning African champions, Wydad Athletic Club Casablanca will face Asian champions Al Hilal while runners-up Al Ahly will battle Australia continent champions Auckland City in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup draw.The draw was conducted in Rabat, Morocco which is set to be one of the two host cities alongside Tangier for the 2022 edition of the club intercontinental showpiece with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in attendance. Algeria edge Libya by solitary goal in CHAN openerThe 2022 Club World Cup will be the 19th edition of the tournament that pits the winners of the six continental confederations, as well as the host nation’s league champions, and is set to take place from 1 to 11 February 2023.Chelsea are the defending champions, but they are not able to defend their title as they did not qualify after being eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Real Madrid.##NAJAVA_MECA_6945112##The UEFA Champions League holders will open the campaign with a semi-final clash against Seattle Sounders, Al Ahly or Auckland City who are set to clash in the quarter-finals.In the other last four encounter, South American champions Flamengo will take on the winner between Wydad and Al Hilal as they were handed a bye in 1st and 2nd Round of the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino lauded Morocco for hosting the games and emphasized on the importance of the tournament which is set to expand and adopt a new format in 2025.“Congratulations and thank you to Morocco for hosting the champions of all the continents for what will be a very important edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in February. ‘Whistle-blowers’ Zoo FC happy with match-fixers purgeWhen the champions of all the continents meet to crown the champion of the planet, the champion of the world, this is a special occasion, and this will take place in a very special country, in a great football environment. We’re looking very much forward to [coming] to Rabat and to Tangier, to visit an entire country, and to cheer for the champions of all the continents and see who finally will be crowned champion of the world,” said Infantino.
