FIFA Club World Cup 2022 in 2023: Can Real Madrid win a fifth title?
With a record four titles under their belt, Los Blancos go to Morocco in search of a first club world crown since 2018. Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo are expected to present their main opposition.
Football
Morocco plays host to the FIFA Club World Cup from 1-11 February with Real Madrid seeking a fifth title.
The Spanish football giants go straight into the semi-finals as the UEFA Champions League holders having beaten Liverpool 1-0 in Paris last May.
They last featured in the competition in 2018 when they beat Al-Ain 4-1 in Abu Dhabi to claim a third consecutive title with their first triumph coming in 2014.
It has not been the greatest of seasons so far for Carlo Ancelotti’s men who currently trail Barcelona by five points in La Liga and went down to their bitter rivals in the Spanish Supercopa final earlier this month.
But Los Blancos will be hoping to kickstart their campaign by earning their first silverware of the season.
Real Madrid’s history in the FIFA Club World Cup
Europe has dominated the FIFA Club World Cup in recent times with the Champions League holders winning the last nine editions.
This will be Real Madrid's sixth appearance at the competition since it was relaunched in 2000.
They were only fourth that year, missing out on the final on goal difference before losing 4-3 on penalties to Necaxa of Mexico in the third-place play-off.
But in their four subsequent tournaments, they have emerged victorious.
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2014: Real Madrid 2-0 San Lorenzo
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2016: Real Madrid 4-2 Kashima Antlers (AET)
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2017: Real Madrid 1-0 Gremio
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2018: Real Madrid 4-1 Al-Ain
Real Madrid's current form
Real Madrid play twice in La Liga after the FIFA Club World Cup gets underway, at home to Valencia on Thursday (2 February) before visiting Mallorca on Sunday.
In their last 10 games, they have won seven times, drawn twice and lost once.
While Ancelotti’s side lie five points behind Barcelona with one game to go before the midway point of La Liga, they are in good shape in their other two major competitions although they meet Liverpool next month in the Champions League round of 16 in a repeat of last year's final.
And they are through to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey having beaten city rivals Atletico last week.
Key players for Real Madrid
There is no denying the dazzling array of talent Real Madrid has on display at all times, but who are the names that could make the difference for Los Blancos in Morocco?
Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian was a key member of the Real's treble-winning side last season and had 17 goals and 10 assists 35 league games.
Vinicius has not quite matched that production this season with six goals and three assists in 18 games in La Liga, but he remains a nightmare for opposition full-backs.
An elite ball carrier and direct winger, he will no doubt play a big part in Real's bid for a fifth Club World Cup triumph.
Karim Benzema
Having missed the FIFA World Cup through injury, the veteran striker has returned to form in emphatic fashion with seven goals in seven games.
The Frenchman won last year's Ballon d'Or and remains Real's biggest goal threat at 35 years of age.
He has now taken his tally of goals for the Spanish club to 336 goal with only Cristiano Ronaldo (450) ahead of him.
Federico Valverde
Whether it’s part of the front three or the midfield three, Federico Valverde has become indispensable for Ancelotti and Real Madrid.
As far as goal contributions go, he is having his best season yet with six goals and two assists in 18 La Liga games so far this season. Despite his stints on the right wing, the Uruguayan has developed into something of a complete midfielder for Los Blancos.
Valverde is particularly effective at counter-pressing and breaking up play as well as making effective interceptions and challenges. He also has a knack for reading the game well and sensing danger before it happens.
While he is at his best in the centre of midfield, the 24-year-old's versatility is a real plus and looks set to make him a regular in the team for years to come.
Schedule and how to watch
Real Madrid will begin their bid for a fifth FIFA Club World Cup title on Wednesday 8 February, with their semi-final opponents yet to be determined.
Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT, which is 20:00 CET.
Should things go to plan, Real will feature in the final on Saturday 11 February which starts at 19:00 GMT (20:00 CET). If they fall in the semi-finals, they will play in the third-place playoff at 15:30 GMT (16:30 CET) earlier that day.
The whole tournament will be streamed live on FIFA+ in much of the world including most of Europe. More details and streaming links can be found here.
Fans in Spain will be able to watch the action live on TeleCinco Espana.
All seven games will be broadcast live on FOX Sports and Fox Deportes for North, Central and South American viewers.