Manchester United, who withdrew from the FA Cup in favour of FIFA's inaugural eight-team tournament in Rio de Janeiro, have been placed in Group A of the tournament along with Copa Libertadores winner Vasco da Gama from Brazil, CONCACAF champions Necaxa of Mexico and Oceania title holders South Melbourne.

Real Madrid will open the tournament on January 5th in Sao Paulo against Asian Super Cup champions Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia. United will open their campaign in Rio against Necaxa.

FIFA Club World Championship

GROUP A: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia), Real Madrid (Spain), Corinthians (Brazil), Winner of the CAF (African) Champions League (to be decided in December).

GROUP B: Manchester United, Vasco de Gama (Brazil), Necaxa (Mexico), South Melbourne (Australia). Games will be played January 5th-14th.