Why Al Ittihad are playing at the FIFA Club World Cup despite not being AFC Champions League winners

Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad are participating in this year's FIFA Club World Cup despite not being AFC champions.

The tournament kicks off on 12 December, with Al Ittihad taking on New Zealand outfit Auckland City in the first-round clash.

Egyptian side and African champions Al Ahly, Mexican side Leon and Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds are already into the second round, while Champions League winners Manchester City and Copa Libertadores holders Fluminense go straight into the semi-finals.

Six of the seven sides are champions of their respective continents with Al Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League holders, the exception.

Urawa Red Diamonds are champions of Asia, having beaten Al Hilal over two legs.

But Al Ittihad have qualified as hosts, with the tournament being held in the city of Jeddah between the 12 and 22 December.

Image: Getty

Games will take place at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.

The 2023 edition of the Club World Cup will be the final one under its current format.

Next year will see a total of 32 teams participate in the expanded 2025 showpiece, which will take place in the United States.

Image: Getty

The spectacle, which will take place between June and July, is being used as a precursor to the World Cup a year later in North America.

All continental champions from 2021 through to 2024 will be involved, apart from those in Oceania.

That means the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid will join City in the tournament.

The 32 sides will be divided into eight groups of four, with the top two advancing as has been the case in the World Cup in recent times.

Image: Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr will be hoping to book their place by winning the AFC Champions League this season.

The semi-automated offside technology will be trialled in this year's Club World Cup after it was introduced in the Champions League.