Chelsea discover their semi-final opponents for FIFA Club World Cup

European champions Chelsea have discovered their potential opponents for the FIFA Club World Cup to be played in the United Arab Emirates in February.

The continental club competition was initially scheduled for December in Japan but was postponed amid the coronavirus restrictions in the country.

The United Arab Emirates have since been confirmed as hosts. The Blues will start their campaign in the semi-final, getting a bye for the first and second rounds.

Chelsea will be in a separate bracket to Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras. They could face either Al Hilal, Al Jazira or Auckland City in the last four.

Auckland City and Al Jazira will face off in the first round with the winner playing against Al Hilal, who were recently crowned the AFC Champions League winners.

In the other bracket, Al Ahly and Monterrey will contest in the second round with the winner getting the chance to face Palmeiras for a spot in the final.

Here is the 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

The competition will take place between February 3 and 12. The Blues are scheduled to face Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal on February 9 and 12. Both games could be postponed.

There is also a potential FA Cup fifth-round tie that could be rescheduled. The west London giants are aiming to win the Club World Cup for the first time in their history.

They previously had the chance in 2012. They beat Monterrey at the semi-final stage but were stunned in the final with Corinthians coming on top with a 1-0 win in Japan.