A week before the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup begins, Saudi Arbia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed on as an official partner of the month-long tournament that takes place at stadiums across the United States.
PIF, the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, makes this move partially in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s role as host of the 2034 World Cup.
“PIF is creating a legacy of transformative impact in sports including through its partnerships, delivering positive and lasting results at every level, from players and fans to host communities,” PIF head of corporate brand Mohammed Al-Sayyad said in a statement. “PIF is at the forefront of growing football around the world following our CONCACAF partnership announced last year and our continued investment in football. We are unlocking opportunities to drive the growth of the sport around the world.”
The FIFA Club World Cup features some of the most prominent clubs from leagues all over the world. The competition begins Saturday, June 14, with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami (MLS) hosting Egyptian club Al Ahly FC, which has won three recent CAF Champions League titles.
According to the Opta Power Rankings, the top five clubs in the tournament are Paris Saint-Germain (France), Manchester City (England), Bayern Munich (Germany), Inter Milan (Italy) and Real Madrid (Spain).
Group play begins Saturday and carries through June 26. The knockout rounds begin June 28 with the championship match slated for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
The groups are as follows:
Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly FC, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Los Angeles FC.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, CF Monterrey, Internazionale.
Group F: Fluminense FC, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad AC, Al Ain FC, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, CF Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg.
–Field Level Media
