FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 in Qatar: Teams, schedule, tickets, stadiums

EXPLAINER

The Spanish club, who are the reigning champions of the UEFA Champions League, will now automatically qualify for the final of the competition on December 18, two years after Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Continental champions will square off against each other in two games before the final, with the winner facing Galaticos.

What is the latest addition to FIFA’s continental club competition in Qatar, including:

What’s the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024?

The winner of a series of intercontinental playoffs that includes the confederation champions of all premier club competitions will compete in the new FIFA Intercontinental Cup, which was announced in December 2023.

What distinguishes the FIFA Intercontinental Cup from the FIFA Club World Cup?

Since 1960, the FIFA Club World Cup has grown from seven continental confederation champions to 32 club teams. In June and July, it will now be played once every four years.

In 2025, the United States will host the next Club World Cup.

Which teams compete in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup?

• Real Madrid (Spain): UEFA/Europe champions
• Al Ahly (Egypt): CAF/Africa champions
• Pachuca (Mexico): CONCACAF/North America, Central America and the Caribbean champions
• Botafogo (Brazil): CONMEBOL/South America champions
• Al Ain (United Arab Emirates): AFC/Asia champions
• Auckland City (New Zealand): OFC/Oceania champions

Congratulations to @Botafogo for winning the #Libertadores and securing their place at the FIFACWC in 2016 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup this year! ???????? pic. twitter.com/X9inmQZIHv

What kind of competition is the FIFA Intercontinental Cup?

Five teams will compete in four cross-continental playoffs, with the winner taking on Real Madrid in the end.

What is the FIFA Intercontinental Cup’s full schedule of matches?

• African-Asian-Pacific playoff: Al Ain 6-2 Auckland City on September 22 at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, UAE
• African-Asian-Pacific Cup: Al Ahly 3-0 Al Ain on October 29 at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt
• Derby of the Americas: Botafogo vs Pachuca on December 11 at 8pm (17: 00 GMT) at Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar
• Challenger Cup: Derby of the Americas winner vs Al Ahly on December 14 at 8pm (17: 00 GMT) at Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar
• Final: Real Madrid vs Challenger Cup winner on December 18 at 8pm (17: 00 GMT) at Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar

Which Qatari stadiums host FIFA Intercontinental Cup games?

Stadium 974, Doha: Built on the shores of the Gulf with 974 containers, the venue overlooks the Doha skyline. During the Qatar World Cup 2022, this 40-seat stadium hosted seven games.
• Lusail Stadium, Lusail: Lusail Stadium, located in Lusail City just outside the capital Doha, played host to the Qatar World Cup 2022 final, which saw Lionel Messi’s Argentina edge Kylian Mbappe’s France in a thrilling finish to the tournament. More than 89 000 fans can fit in the stadium, which also hosted the AFC Asian Cup 2023 final.

What is the FIFA Intercontinental Cup ticket purchase process?

Fans can grab tickets from FIFA’s official ticketing platform.

Where can I find the FIFA Intercontinental Cup to follow and watch?

The games will be broadcast live on regional broadcasters and online streaming services.