What happens if Manchester City and Fluminense tie in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final?

Having already won the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League and the FA Cup, Manchester City have the opportunity to complete a near-perfect 2023 (they didn’t win the League Cup, after all…) on Friday when they take on Fluminense in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Manchester City - Fluminenese: Follow the live action here!

City and Fluminense chasing first Club World Cup victory

Pep Guardiola’s side entered the competition at the semi-final stage where they had little trouble disposing of Japanese team Urawa Red Diamonds, running out 3-0 winners despite the absences of star duo Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. That set up a final showdown against Copa Libertadores holders Fluminense, who saw off Egypt’s Al Ahly in the last four thanks to second-half strikes from Jhon Arias and John Kennedy. A first-time winner is guaranteed, with both clubs making their debuts in the competition.

For most, it won’t have come as a surprise to see European and South American participants reach the final for the 13th time in 20 editions of the tournament. Likewise, a victory for City over their Brazilian opponents is hardly likely to raise any eyebrows given their vast financial superiority. But the Rio de Janeiro-based side will, of course, be hopeful of causing an upset and stranger things have most definitely happened in soccer.

What tiebreakers are used in the FIFA Club World Cup final?

Fernando Diniz’s team will be well aware of the need to keep their more illustrious opponents at bay across the 90 minutes, and perhaps beyond. Should the teams be level at the end of normal time, 30 minutes of extra time, comprising two periods of 15 minutes, will be played in an attempt to separate them. If there is still no winner after 120 minutes, then the match will go to a penalty shootout.

This has been the case for every match in the 2023 tournament with the exception of the third-place playoff, which goes straight to a penalty shootout if the teams involved are tied after 90 minutes. Until now, however, all of the games played in Saudi Arabia have been decided in normal time.