ZURICH: Barcelona will begin its quest for the Club World Cup title against either Club America of Mexico or the Asian Champions League winner.

Barcelona has a bye in the first round and will start in the semifinals on December 17 in Yokohama.

River Plate of Argentina, the Copa Libertadores champion in South America, will also begin in the semifinals. It will play in Osaka against the African Champions League winner, Auckland City of New Zealand or the J-League winner.

Auckland City, the Oceania Champions League champion, opens the tournament on December 10 against the J-League winner.

All seven qualified teams will be known by November.

The tournament's draw took place at FIFA's headquarters on Wednesday.