Janice R. Andrews
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with its expanded 32-team format, promises a summer of thrilling football featuring Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. However, the absence of several high-profile clubs has left fans puzzled. Here are six notable giants missing from the tournament.
1. Barcelona
Barcelona, a club synonymous with European dominance, is surprisingly absent. Despite topping La Liga and showing resurgence, their recent struggles in the Champions League have cost them a spot. With Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid qualifying based on UEFA’s four-year ranking, Barcelona’s higher ranking than some qualified clubs wasn’t enough.
2. Liverpool
Liverpool’s omission is another shock. Although consistently among Europe’s elite, the rule limiting two clubs per association from UEFA sees Manchester City and Chelsea representing England. Liverpool’s current form, topping the Premier League and Champions League group tables, makes their exclusion even more surprising.
3. Sporting CP
Sporting CP, currently dominating Portuguese football, misses out while Porto and Benfica secure spots due to better performances in prior seasons. Despite Sporting’s current league lead and recent success, the retrospective qualification system works against them.
4. LA Galaxy or New York Red Bulls
MLS clubs LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls are absent, with Inter Miami chosen as the host representative after winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. FIFA’s decision ensures Lionel Messi’s inclusion, sparking debate over prioritizing star power over merit.
5. Al Nassr
Al Nassr, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, lacks the credentials to qualify, having only won the Arab Club Champions Cup in recent years. While FIFA has ensured Messi’s inclusion, no similar effort was made for Ronaldo, leaving Al Nassr out of the tournament.
6. Corinthians
South American powerhouse Corinthians is another notable absentee. While clubs like River Plate and Flamengo qualified based on recent success, Corinthians’ lack of continental finals in over a decade highlights their decline. Their absence underscores the challenges faced by historic clubs in a results-driven qualification system.
Conclusion
The 2025 Club World Cup aims to showcase global football’s finest, but its qualification process has sidelined several deserving giants. While the tournament promises excitement, the absence of these clubs highlights the balance needed between historical achievements and current form. Fans can only hope future editions address these concerns to ensure the world’s best truly compete.
