River Plate’s dramatic Copa Libertadores victory over arch-rivals Boca Juniors secured them the accolade of being South America’s best team in 2018.
It also booked them a place in this month’s Fifa Club World Cup; the annual competition pitting the winners of each continent’s version of the Uefa Champions League against each other.
Real Madrid feature again for a third successive year after last May’s victory over Liverpool.
Here’s all you need to know about this month’s competition.
Where is it?
The 15th edition of the competition is being hosted by the United Arab Emirates this year.
When does it start?
The competition officially begins on Wednesday 12 December with the final to take place on Saturday 22 December.
Who else is in it?
The Club World Cup brings together the seven winners of the seven biggest club competitions from each continent on the planet. In addition to Real Madrid (Uefa) and River Plate (CONMEBOL) the five other clubs in action this month are:
- Kashima Antlers (winners of the Asian Football Confederations Champions League)
- Esperance de Tunis (winners of the Confederation of African Football Champions League)
- Guadalajara (winners of the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League)
- Team Wellington (winners of Oceania Football Confederation Champions League)
- Al-Ain (winners of 2017-18 UAE Pro-League)
Format
Real Madrid and River Plate do not enter the competition until the semi-finals. Al Ain and Team Wellington compete in a play-off to kick off the competition on 12 December with the winner taking on Esperance de Tunis in the quarter-final stage.
When are the fixtures?
Quarter-finals
Match 2 | Esperance de Tunis vs Al Ain or Team Wellington | 15 December
Match 3 | Kashima Antlers vs Guadalajara | 15 December
Semi-finals
River Plate vs Winner of Match 2 | 18 December
Winner of Match 3 vs Real Madrid | 19 December
Final
22 December
Where can I watch it?
There are currently no plans for the Club World Cup to be broadcast on UK television.
