2018 FIFA Club World Cup
12-22 December
United Arab Emirates
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium – Al Ain
Zayed Sports City Stadium – Abu Dhabi
European football has had a stranglehold on the Club World Cup and UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid will hope to continue that trend at the 2018 edition in the United Arab Emirates between December 12 and 22.
‘Los Blancos’ have won won three of the last four CWC tournaments and are chasing an unprecedented hat-trick of triumphs.
.jpg)
Real’s recent domination has further enhanced the perception that European football remains the pinnacle of the club game: the last five CWC trophies have all been lifted by UEFA representatives and only four of the 14 CWC tournaments have not been won by a European side.
The last non-European win came from Brazil’s Corinthians in 2012, but there is hope from the South American continent that Argentina’s River Plate can end the UEFA dominance.
The Copa Libertadores winners have a talented squad and came through a harrowing time against hated rivals Boca Juniors in the final of the South American continental competition (which even needed the second leg played in Madrid due to safety concerns).
As for other representatives, Africa will look to Esperance de Tunis, who will feel confident of advancing into the semfinals (to play River Plate) when they take on either local side Al Ain or New Zealand’s Team Wellington.
Asia have sent Japan’s Kashima Antlers to face North American representatives Guadalajara of Mexico, with the winners advancing to play Real Madrid in the other semifinal. The final will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 22.
Make sure to back your favourite in the tournament with Betway Zambia football betting.
2018 Club World Cup fixtures
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain:
First round
Match 1 – 12 December – Al Ain v Team Wellington – 17h30 CAT
Second round
Match 2 – 15 December – Esperance de Tunis v Winner Match 1 – 18h30 CAT
Match 3 – 15 December – Kashima Antlers v Guadalajara – 15h00 CAT
Match for fifth place
Match 4 – 18 December – Loser Match 2 v Loser Match 3 – 15h30 CAT
Semifinal
Match 5 – 18 December – River Plate v Winner Match 2 – 18h30 CAT
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi:
Semifinal
Match 6 – 19 December – Winner Match 3 v Real Madrid – 18h30 CAT
Match for third place
Match 7 – 22 December – Loser Match 6 v Loser Match 5 – 15h30 CAT
Final
Match 8 – 22 December – Winner Match 6 v Winner Match 5 – 18h30 CAT
Club World Cup – past winners
2017 – Real Madrid
2016 – Real Madrid
2015 – Barcelona
2014 – Real Madrid
2013 – Bayern Munich
2012 – Corinthians
2011 – Barcelona
2010 – Internazionale
2009 – Barcelona
2008 – Manchester United
2007 – AC Milan
2006 – Internacional
2005 – Sao Paulo
2000 – Corinthians
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway Zambia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.