On Thursday in Japan, J1 League champions Kashima Antlers and New Zealand-based powerhouse Auckland City will meet in a playoff to kick off the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup, an annual competition designed to crown the top club team in the world.
In addition to the winner of Thursday’s playoff, this year’s tournament will feature:
Atlético Nacional (South America)
Real Madrid (Europe)
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (Asia)
Mamelodi Sundowns (Africa)
Club América (North America)
It’s certainly an interesting field, headlined by Spanish La Liga giant Real Madrid – not to mention Colombia’s Atlético Nacional, who head to Japan with heavy hearts following the tragedy of their Copa Sudamericana final opponent Chapecoense.
But what does any of this have to do with Vancouver Whitecaps FC?
Glad you asked.
The ‘Caps, of course, have qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, where they will face fellow MLS side New York Red Bulls on February 22, 2017 at Red Bull Arena and March 2, 2017 at BC Place. The winner of the CONCACAF Champions League, which will be crowned in April, will then qualify for next year’s 2017 FIFA Club World Cup (hosted in the United Arab Emirates).
That, ultimately, is the goal – a goal no MLS club has ever accomplished.
Mexican power Club América, who beat Montreal Impact to win the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League, is the representative from North America at this year’s Club World Cup.
And the 'Caps are hoping to be the next one.
