Chelsea’s path to becoming Club World Cup winners for the first time in our history became a little clearer on Monday when the draw for the competition was made.
The Blues are one of seven teams participating and enter at the semi-final stage, where we will play either Al Hilal, Al Jazira or Auckland City.
Abu Dhabi-based Al Jazira and New Zealand’s Auckland City face off in the first round with the winner of that tie taking on Al Hilal, of Saudi Arabia. Whoever comes out on top in that second-round game will meet Chelsea in the semi-final.
On the other side of the draw, recent Copa Libertadores victors Palmeiras will play the winners of the Al Ahly and Monterrey tie in the semi-finals.
The tournament, which has been pushed back and moved from its original venue of Japan because of the Covid-19 pandemic, will take place in the UAE between 3 February and 12 February 2022.
It will be our second appearance in the Club World Cup, having beaten Monterrey in the 2012 semi-final before losing 1-0 to Corinthians of Brazil in the final.
Full draw:
First round
Al Jazira vs Auckland City
Second round
Al Ahly vs Monterrey
Al Jazira or Auckland City vs Al Hilal
Semi-final
Al Ahly or Monterrey vs Palmeiras
Al Hilal or Al Jazira or Auckland City vs Chelsea