Why Barcelona WILL NOT play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup! Full list of qualified teams

By: Shawn
‎The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which features 32 teams from around the globe, will proceed without Barcelona's participation. This year's tournament, expanded to accommodate teams from all major football confederations—AFC, CAF, Concacaf, OFC, and UEFA—will be held across the United States.
‎
‎FC Barcelona's 'Robert Lewandowski.'
‎Getty Images Sport
‎
‎Among the 32 qualified teams, 12 hail from Europe, including the most recent UEFA Champions League winners: Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea. The remaining European teams were selected based on a ranking system considering their performances over the last four seasons. However, a significant restriction limits each country to two qualifying teams. As Real Madrid secured automatic entry due to their two Champions League victories in 2022 and 2024, only one other Spanish club could join.
‎
‎Despite Barcelona's La Liga title in 2023, their lackluster performances in recent Champions League campaigns—where they were eliminated in the group stage twice and reached the round of 16 once—meant they were surpassed by Atlético Madrid. Atlético, although also experiencing a group stage and round of 16 exit, had a stronger showing, advancing to the quarterfinals in both 2022 and 2024. This earned them a spot in the competition, while Barcelona was left out.
‎
‎This rule, which limits each nation to two clubs, also affected Liverpool’s qualification. With Manchester City and Chelsea having automatically secured their places as Champions League winners, no other English club was eligible for the 2025 edition.
‎

Comments

Post a Comment

TRENDING!

RB Leipzig in talks to sign Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland in summer 2025

Image
‎RB Leipzig have initiated discussions with Jobe Bellingham as the Bundesliga club intensifies its efforts to secure the Sunderland midfielder for the 2025-26 season. According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Leipzig has thoroughly assessed Bellingham's profile, who is under contract with Sunderland until 2028. Despite recognizing the high cost of signing the 19-year-old, Leipzig has made him a priority target for the upcoming summer transfer window. ‎ ‎' Jobe Bellingham. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Bellingham, who has gained considerable attention for his performances with Sunderland, could potentially follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Jude Bellingham, by making a move to Germany. Borussia Dortmund, another prominent Bundesliga club, is also reported to be interested in the young midfielder. The German side believes they can persuade him to join, particularly due to his brother's successful tenure with the club before his recent transfer to ...
Read more

How Messi was close to joining one Premier League club—but It failed at the last moment

Image
‎Jose Mourinho reportedly came within touching distance of signing Lionel Messi for Chelsea in 2014, with personal terms agreed and a staggering £50 million annual salary on offer. But despite the West London club’s readiness to activate the €250 million release clause in Messi’s Barcelona contract, the transfer never materialised—blocked by a surprise revelation from a Premier League player that alerted Messi’s father and ultimately brought the negotiations to a halt. ‎ Jose Mourinho almost signed Lionel Messi for Chelsea in 2014 before deal collapsed over player revelation. ‎Getty Images Sport ‎ ‎At the time, Mourinho had just returned for his second spell at Chelsea, eager to reinforce his legacy after two Premier League title wins during his first tenure. Always one to think big, the Portuguese manager set his sights on Lionel Messi, arguably the most coveted player in world football. ‎ ‎According to Gianluca Di Marzio’s 2014 book Grand Hotel Calciomercato, the groundwo...
Read more

Gregor Kobel linked with £60m move to Chelsea or Newcastle as Dortmund faces Champions League struggles

Image
‎Gregor Kobel, one of the Bundesliga’s standout goalkeepers, is reportedly a target for two Premier League giants, Chelsea and Newcastle United, as both clubs look to strengthen their goalkeeping options. With his current club, Borussia Dortmund, struggling to secure a spot in next season's Champions League, Kobel's future is in flux. ‎ ‎' Gregor Kobel. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎According to a report from Foot Mercato, both Chelsea and Newcastle have expressed strong interest in the 27-year-old Swiss international. Kobel, whose contract with Dortmund runs until 2028, is said to be keen on leaving Signal Iduna Park if the team fails to secure a Champions League berth for the upcoming season. ‎ ‎Chelsea’s Pursuit of a New Keeper ‎ ‎Chelsea, in particular, are looking for a new goalkeeper after expressing dissatisfaction with their current first-choice, Robert Sanchez. Reports suggest that the Blues are willing to pay a hefty €70 million (£60 million) to secure Kobel’...
Read more

Al-Nassr: 'Cristiano Ronaldo has a new coach'

Image
‎Luciano Spalletti is set for a sensational return to club management as Al-Nassr prepare to offer the former Italy coach a lucrative contract to replace Stefano Pioli. The Saudi Pro League giants, eager to bolster their technical staff and challenge for silverware, have reportedly made the 66-year-old Tuscan their top managerial target. ‎ ‎ Luciano Spalletti to replace Stefano Pioli at Al-Nassr as ex-Italy coach eyes Ronaldo reunion. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Following his dismissal from the Italy national team after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and a crushing 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Norway, Spalletti now appears destined for a new chapter in Saudi Arabia. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Al-Nassr are ready to present Spalletti with a massive financial package to lure him into the Saudi Pro League. ‎ Luciano Spalletti set to replace Stefano Pioli at Al-Nassr and coach Cristiano Ronaldo after Italy sacking. Pioli nears Fiorentina return. ‎Getty Im...
Read more

‎Manchester City set to sign Rosenborg star Sverre Nypan as record-breaking fifth summer transfer

Image
‎Manchester City are on the brink of securing the signature of Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan, marking their fifth signing of an ambitious summer transfer window under Pep Guardiola. The reigning English champions are reportedly finalizing a record-breaking transfer fee for a player from the Norwegian Eliteserien, as first revealed by The Athletic. ‎ Man City beat Arsenal & Villa to land Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan in record deal—Guardiola’s fifth summer signing to reshape Etihad squad. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Nypan, an 18-year-old midfield sensation from Rosenborg, has been on the radar of top European clubs after a standout season in Norway. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and City-affiliated Girona were all in the hunt for the teenager, but Manchester City have now emerged as frontrunners to secure his services. ‎ ‎The deal—expected to be finalized in the coming days—represents the most City have ever paid for a Norwegian league player. Though the terms are still being iron...
Read more

‎Chelsea's 2025/26 Premier League fixtures: Full match schedule, TV channels, and ticket information

Image
‎Fresh off a season of resurgence under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea head into the 2025/26 Premier League campaign with renewed ambition. After securing Champions League qualification and lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League last term, the Blues will be eager to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal at the top of the table. ‎ ' Chelsea FC. ' ‎ Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎With expectations high, Chelsea fans can now start planning their season, as the full Premier League fixture list for 2025/26 has been released. ‎ ‎Chelsea’s Road Back to the Top ‎ ‎Having made significant progress tactically and in squad development, Enzo Maresca now faces the challenge of elevating Chelsea into genuine title contenders. The journey begins at home to Crystal Palace in mid-August and includes key showdowns against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City throughout the campaign. ‎ ‎Chelsea Premier League Fixtures 2025/26 ‎ ‎(Dates and times subject to change for TV scheduling) ...
Read more

Ruben Amorim comments on Antony's future after loan success at Real Betis

Image
‎Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has addressed questions surrounding Antony’s future following the Brazilian winger's impressive loan spell at Real Betis. ‎ ‎' Anthony. ' ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Antony joined Real Betis on loan in January after struggling to make an impact at Manchester United, under both former manager Erik ten Hag and Amorim, who took charge later in the season. Since his move to Spain, the winger has enjoyed a revival in form, contributing eight goals and assists in just 12 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. ‎ ‎Given his resurgence, speculation has grown over whether Antony will return to Manchester United's first team next season. However, Amorim has made it clear that no option to buy was included in the loan deal with Betis, ensuring that the winger will return to United once the loan term concludes. ‎ ‎Addressing the issue, Amorim told the media, “Antony to return? I’m planning the future but I don’t want to talk about the fut...
Read more

Why Barcelona see Lionel Messi's return as key to their future and legacy

Image
‎Barcelona are reportedly preparing to orchestrate one of football’s most emotional reunions, aiming to bring club legend Lionel Messi back in time for the grand reopening of the iconic Spotify Camp Nou in 2026. ‎ Barcelona plan to bring Lionel Messi back in 2026 to mark Camp Nou’s reopening, aiming for a legendary reunion with the Argentine icon. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎The Argentine superstar, now 37, left the Catalan giants in 2021 due to financial constraints that prevented the club from renewing his contract. Since then, Messi has continued to dazzle on the global stage, guiding Argentina to World Cup triumph in 2022 and later moving to Major League Soccer to join Inter Miami, where he has played a pivotal role in the sport's growth in the United States. ‎ ‎According to a report from TNT Sports, Barcelona remain hopeful of reuniting with their all-time great. The club is said to be “slowly preparing” for a potential deal to bring Messi back following the 2026 FIFA World C...
Read more

Lionel Messi net worth 2025: Career earnings, contracts, endorsements and real estate

Image
‎Lionel Messi, often hailed as the greatest footballer in history, commands not only accolades on the field but a fortune off it. As of 2025, Messi's net worth is estimated at $850 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in modern history. ‎ ‎' Lionel Messi. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987, Messi overcame early health challenges and financial hardship to become a global icon. After joining FC Barcelona in his teens, he amassed 672 goals in 778 appearances. His record-breaking contracts, including a 2017 Barcelona deal worth an average of $168 million per year, cemented his place at the pinnacle of sports earnings. ‎ ‎Beyond club football, Messi's international achievements include leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022 and earning Olympic gold in 2008. His historic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has fueled global interest and lucrative brand opportunities. ‎ ‎Messi's Career Earnings: $1.6 Billion and C...
Read more

Chelsea to send more wonderkids to Strasbourg after Andrey Santos' successful loan spell

Image
‎Chelsea FC are set to deepen their strategic partnership with Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, as two of the Premier League club’s brightest young prospects—Mathis Amougou and Kendry Paez—are primed for season-long loan moves to the French outfit for the 2025–26 campaign. ‎ ‎' Mathis Amougou. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The potential transfers come on the back of a highly productive loan spell for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, who flourished under the guidance of Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior during the 2024–25 season. Santos' development and contributions in midfield have not gone unnoticed at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca eager to integrate him into the senior squad ahead of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. ‎ ‎According to reports from L'Équipe, 19-year-old Amougou, a French youth international, is among the next wave of young Blues heading to Stade de la Meinau. The promising centre-back arrived at Chelsea from Saint-Étienne in J...
Read more