MIAMI, Florida – For the first time in their history, Mexico’s Tigres UANL won the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League when they defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the Final last month.
That title-winning performance also earned the Liga MX side a date in the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for next month in Qatar.
On Tuesday, January 19, the Felinos will find out who their second-round opponent will be when the 2020 FCWC Draw takes place in Doha, Qatar.
Unlike previous editions in which seven teams competed in the FCWC, just six clubs will participate in this year’s edition after the withdrawal of New Zealand’s Auckland City FC from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).
In addition to Tigres, the following four clubs have already qualified for the tournament: Bayern Munich of Germany (UEFA), Al Ahly of Egypt (CAF), Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea (AFC) and hosts Al-Duhail of Qatar.
The final berth in the 2020 FCWC will be decided between Brazilians clubs Palmeiras and Santos in the Final of the 2020 Conmebol Copa Libertadores later this month.
Host club Al-Duhail join Tigres as the only other club making their debut in FCWC. Bayern Munich will be competing in their second FCWC (2013), as will Ulsan Hyundai (2012). Meanwhile, Al Ahly boast the most FCWC appearances among qualified teams, with five previous participations (2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013).
Santos have made just one prior appearance in the FCWC when they finished as runners-up in 2011, while Palmeiras would be making their FCWC debut should they advance.
Tigres will make their FCWC debut when they take the field on February 4 for their second-round match-up against either Al Ahly, Ulsan Hyundai or Al-Duhail.
A victory would send the Mexican side to the semifinals where they will face either Bayern Munich or the winner of the Palmeiras-Santos Copa Libertadores Final.
