Find out the date and details of the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup.
When and where is the 2019 Club World Cup being played?
FIFA awarded Qatar hosting rights for the next two editions of the Club World Cup for 2019 and 2020. Matches will be played between from Dec. 11 through to the final on Dec. 21.
Who is in the Club World Cup?
It features the continental champions of Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania, plus the Al Sadd, champions of the Qatar Stars League to represent the hosts.
The confirmed qualifiers are:
Europe: Liverpool (England), UEFA Champions League winners
South America: Flamengo (Brazil), CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores winners
Africa: Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), CAF Champions League winners
North America: Monterrey (Mexico), CONCACAF Champions League winners
Oceania: Hienghene Sport (New Caledonia), OFC Champions League winners
Asia: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), AFC Champions League winners
Host team: Al Sadd (Winners of Qatar Stars League)
What is the format of the Club World Cup?
First round (Dec. 11): Hienghene Sport will play Al Sadd.
Second round (Dec. 14): Monterrey will face the winners of Hienghene Sport vs. Al Sadd. In the other tie, Esperance Sportive de Tunis will meet Al Hilal.
Fifth-place playoff (Dec, 17): The two losing second round teams meet.
Semifinals: Liverpool have been drawn against Monterrey or Hienghene Sport/Al Sadd, to play on Dec. 18. The other semi, on Dec. 17, sees Flamengo against Al Hilal.
Third-place playoff (Dec. 21): The two losing semifinalists meet.
Final (Dec. 21): The two winners from the semifinals play for the trophy.
But hasn't FIFA made the Club World Cup bigger?
Yes, FIFA has decided to make the Club World Cup a much larger tournament, featuring 24 teams, but this is not planned to happen until 2021. However, Europe's top clubs have threatened to boycott the expanded competition.
FIFA will approach potential hosts for the expanded edition of the club tournament before making a recommendation at the next council meeting in Shanghai on Oct. 23 and 24.
The Club World Cup will continue in its current format in 2019 and 2020.
What happens to Liverpool's domestic fixtures?
Liverpool will have to take a break from their domestic Premier League and Carabao Cup games to travel for the Club World Cup.
Liverpool will have to rearrange their away game at West Ham United on Dec. 21 (with the Club World Cup final that same day). They would return to Premier League action on Boxing Day, Dec. 26 -- when they are scheduled to play away to Leicester City.
The break didn't do Chelsea any harm in 2012-13. The beat Aston Villa 8-0 in their first match back in England.
Liverpool have an additional fixture nightmare after reaching the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup, with their tie at Aston Villa due to be played when they are in Qatar. They are still going ahead with the game at Villa Park, playing two games on the same continent within 24 hours.
Check out Liverpool's full fixture list.