FIFA Club World Cup (2023)

Lore & Background

Real Madrid were the defending champions, but were not able to defend their title after being eliminated in the semi-finals of the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League by eventual winners Manchester City. This edition marked the conclusion of the Club World Cup's seven-team format, which was introduced in 2007 and used consistently from 2008 onward (the 2000 edition had eight teams, and the format varied in early years, e.g., 2005 had six teams). It was the last before the tournament's expansion to a 32-team event beginning with the 2025 edition.

In Their Own Story

The Jeddah heat shimmered over King Abdullah Sports City, but inside the dressing room, the air crackled with a different kind of intensity. The Champions League trophy from months prior sat on the bench, now joined by the FA Cup and Premier League title, yet one final mountain remained to be climbed. As the players stepped onto the pitch, the roar of the crowd dissolved into a singular, laser-focused silence. When the final whistle confirmed a 4-0 rout, the stunned quiet of Fluminense's supporters was instantly swallowed by an erupting blue tide. Pep Guardiola hoisted the gleaming silver globe high above his head, the stadium lights catching the engraved letters 'FIFA Club World Cup.' In that suspended second, history wasn't just rewritten; it was finalized. The Treble was complete, and for one perfect moment, the world belonged entirely to Manchester City.

Reader's Guide

The tournament featured seven teams comprising the winners of each of the six continental confederations' top club competitions, along with the champions of the host nation's domestic league. All matches were played in the city of Jeddah in two stadiums. If a match was tied after normal playing time: for elimination matches, extra time was played; if still tied after extra time, a penalty shoot-out was held. For the match for third place, no extra time would be played, and a penalty shoot-out would be held to determine the winner.

Did You Know?

• Rodri of Manchester City won the Golden Ball award.