Excitement is building as the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 draws near, with official squad announcements fueling the excitement for football enthusiasts worldwide.
The tournament, slated to commence in Jeddah on December 12 and culminating in the grand finale on December 22, promises thrilling clashes between some of the most formidable teams on the planet.
The seven participating teams have unveiled their 23-man squads, showcasing an impressive array of talent. Notable players such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez, and Erling Haaland will don the colours of Champions League holders Manchester City, add star power to the competition.
The inclusion of Kevin De Bruyne, recovering from an injury sustained in August, adds another layer of intrigue to the Manchester City lineup.
The Manchester City midfielder, included in the 23-man squad for the tournament, will travel with the team and assume the role of club captain. Unfortunately, his fitness level remains insufficient to participate in the scheduled games.
De Bruyne’s anticipated return had sparked optimism among fans, with the midfielder’s presence as a club captain adding a leadership element to City’s lineup.
However, the latest confirmation from Manchester Evening News puts to rest any speculation about his active participation in the upcoming matches.
Fluminense right-back Samuel Xavier joins a roster of key players, including Real Madrid legend Marcelo, Seleção midfielder Andre, Colombia winger Jhon Arias, and Argentina’s German Cano. Al Ittihad, perhaps fielding their strongest-ever squad outside of Europe or South America, boasts names like Luiz Felipe, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, Jota, and Karim Benzema.
Egyptian hopefuls Al Ahly, who have included standout performers like Mohamed Elshenawy, Hussein Elshahat, Kahraba, and Afsha are ready to jostle with the big boys in an attempt to bring the trophy home to Africa.
Meanwhile, Lucas Romero and Angel Mena have overcome injuries to represent the Leon squad, and Atsuki Ito’s race against time to be fit for Urawa Red Diamonds adds a compelling narrative. Unfortunately, Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds will be without Hiroki Sakai, a notable absence.
Football enthusiasts can dive into the full match schedule available here. Fans looking to stay engaged and informed can explore the detailed squad lists here.
Mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and join the global football community, where the world’s best teams vie for supremacy.
Let the games begin!
