Hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar will get the chance to test their readiness for the tournament as they showcase two of their venues when Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and Education City Stadium stage the 2020 (2021) FIFA Club World Cup.

The club champions from five of football’s six continental confederations, along with Qatar Stars League holders Al Duhail SC, will contest seven matches to determine the best club side in the world. The tournament will take place from February 4 to February 11 – two months later than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tournament will provide a fresh opportunity for Qatar to test the readiness of these two venues, in particular Ahmad Bin Ali, which was inaugurated on December 18, 2020, when it hosted the 48th Amir Cup final between Al Sadd SC and Al Arabi SC.

In addition, the tournament will highlight Qatar’s compact nature. Ahmad Bin Ali and Education City are within close proximity of one another, along with accommodation and tourist sites throughout the country. They are also easily accessible via the Doha Metro Green Line, with stations within walking distance of each stadium. As well as offering a seamless experience for players, fans, and officials, the tournament provides a preview of what fans can expect when Qatar hosts the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world in 2022.

The 40,000-capacityAhmad Bin Ali will host three matches at the FIFA Club World Cup 2020, starting with a second-round match between CONCACAF Champions League holders Tigres UANL and AFC Champions League winners Ulsan Hyundai on February 4. The venue will also stage the competition’s fifth-place play-off on February 7 before playing host to the second semi-final between European giants Bayern Munich and the winner of the Al Duhail vs Al Ahly second-round match on February 8.

Education City Stadium also boasts of 40,000 capacity and was inaugurated last June. The stadium will host four matches over three match days, including the final. This will include a second-round match between host club Al Duhail and CAF Champions League holders Al Ahly on February 4, the competition’s first semi-final, featuring the winner of the Copa Libertadores and the winner of the Tigres UANL vs Ulsan Hyundai second-round match, on February 7 and the final matchday on February 11, when the third-place play-off and final are contested.