Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who are ten-time champions of Africa, have been drawn against New Zealanders Auckland City in the only first round tie of the Club World Cup.
Victory in that game means they will take on North American representative Seattle Sounders from the USA in round two, with the winner then progressing into the semifinal for a date with European giants Real Madrid.
The tournament is being held in Morocco and, with reigning African champions Wydad Casablanca also doubling up as the host nation’s representative, Al Ahly qualify as a second African participant having finished as runners-up to Wydad in last year’s African Champions League final.
Wydad head directly into the second round where they face Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.
Brazilian side Flamengo, who like Real Madrid advance straight to the semi-final stage, could be Wydad’s last-four opponents on that side of the draw.
Chelsea won last year’s edition of a tournament that FIFA hopes to expand to 32 teams from 2025.
Club World Cup Draw in full:
First Round
Al Ahly (Egypt) v Auckland City (New Zealand)
Second Round
Seattle Sounders (USA) v Al Ahly/Auckland City
Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) v Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Semi-finals
Flamengo (Brazil) v Wydad Casablanca/Al Hilal
Seattle Sounders/Al Ahly/Auckland City v Real Madrid (Spain)
Final
To be decided (11 February)