Chelsea discover dates and venues for their Club World Cup campaign
According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), FIFA have confirmed that Chelsea will play their Club World Cup semi-final at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on February 9.
Chelsea won last season’s UEFA Champions League against Manchester City with the help of a goal from Kai Havertz. This victory gives the Blues direct entry to this season’s Club World Cup semi-finals.
Along with the host nation’s national champions (Al Hilal), the six confederation’s continental cup winners compete for the coveted FIFA Club World Cup trophy. The last English team to win the title was Liverpool in 2019.
The seven finalized contenders this season are – Chelsea (UCL), Palmeiras (Copa Libertadores), Al Hilal (Saudi), Al Ahly (CAF Champions League), Monterrey (CONCACAF Champions League), Auckland City (OFC Champions League), Al Jazira Club (AFC Champions League).
The competition was previously scheduled in Japan. However, the Japanese government withdrew from hosting the tournament in September due to the growing concern of the Covid-19 virus in the country.
It is believed that Thomas Tuchel‘s team would play the semi-final against either Al Jazira, Al Hilal or Auckland City on February 9 at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium situated in Abu Dhabi. Nevertheless, if The Blues fails to progress to the final, they will play in a third-place play-off at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Chelsea has never landed their hands on the coveted trophy in the competition’s history. However, they were featured in the 2012 Club World Cup final, where they lost to Brazilian side Corinthians.
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The arrival of Thomas Tuchel has inserted a champion’s mentality into the team. The West Londoners have successfully passed significant challenges against the top Premier League teams this season. The Blues currently sit in the 3rd position on the table with the lowest number of conceded goals.
The London team’s performance is spotless in the Champions League, excluding a loss against Juventus. Thus, the Blues fans would hope to taste the 3rd silverware in the Thomas Tuchel era by acquiring the coveted world title.