FIFA Club World CupTM to be held in Qatar in February 2021

Widdad Hasheshu

The FIFA Club World Cup 2020TM will take place in Qatar from 1-11 February next year. It will be the
second time Qatar has played host to the world’s continental club champions after successfully
staging the 2019 version of the tournament, which was won by Liverpool FC.
The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup was due to take place in December 2020 – but was delayed due
to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of COVID-19 cases remains low in Qatar and it is hoped local
fans will be able to attend February’s tournament. Ticketing details will be announced in due course.
Two teams have qualified for the tournament to-date: host nation representatives Al Duhail, the
reigning Qatar Stars League champions, and UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich. The
five remaining participants will be confirmed over the next three months when qualification
tournaments are concluded.
H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani, President, Qatar Football Association, said: “We
will begin preparing to host this event immediately as we look to build on the tremendous success of
last year’s tournament.
“It was a pleasure to welcome thousands of fans from across the world in 2019. Hosting the event
for a second time will undoubtedly confirm our readiness for the FIFA World Cup.
“I wish all the participating teams the best of luck and look forward to witnessing top-level football
during the tournament.”
Al Thani added: “The tournament presents an exciting opportunity for Al Duhail, who will have the
chance to take on some of the best club sides in the world. We also look forward to again hosting
Bayern Munich, one of the most prestigious clubs in world football.”
H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said:
“Hosting the FIFA Club World Cup for a second time represents another vital learning opportunity
for our country as we edge ever nearer to hosting the FIFA World Cup. We will be working closely

with our stakeholders to provide an exceptional experience for fans, players and officials, while fine-
tuning our plans for 2022.”

Qatar is currently hosting 40 matches in the AFC Champions League East Zone amid strict health and
safety regulations due to COVID-19. The country also hosted 35 West Zone matches in September
and October, with regular testing and bubble-to-bubble protocols helping to minimise the spread of
the virus. Meanwhile, a limited number of fans are being allowed to attend domestic matches in the
country but must follow social distancing rules.
Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 Local Organising Committee, said: “It is our
goal to host matches during the FIFA Club World Cup with as many fans as possible and build on the
success of 2019 to deliver an even better experience for everyone involved. We will continue to

monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and ensure our preparations prioritise the health and safety
of everyone involved in the tournament.”