Why isn't Barcelona qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup? Ranking explained
Of the 32 teams qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 12 come from Europe, including the last three UEFA Champions League winners: Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea. The remaining nine European spots were allocated based on a ranking system considering performances over the past four seasons, with a key restriction—only two clubs per country can qualify.
Since Real Madrid’s Champions League titles in 2022 and 2024 secured their place, only one more Spanish club could join, and Atlético Madrid edged out Barcelona based on their superior European results. Despite winning La Liga in 2023, Barcelona’s early Champions League exits in 2022 and 2023, along with a round of 16 finish the year before, left them short of qualification.
What other star teams will be missing this year?
Barcelona isn't the only notable giant missing from the tournament. Premier League title contenders Liverpool and Arsenal didn't qualify either. Al Nassr will not be a part of the tournament either, so Cristiano Ronaldo will not have a chance to add the Club World Cup to his trophy collection.
What is the final lineup of qualified teams for the Club World Cup 2025?
Group A: Porto, Palmeiras, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
Group B: PSG, Atlético Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
Group C: Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, Benfica, Auckland
Group D: Chelsea, Flamengo, Esperance Tunis, Club Leon
Group E: Inter, River Plate, Urawa Reds, Monterrey
Group F: Dortmund, Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, Ulsan
Group G: Manchester City, Juventus, Al Ain, Wydad
Group H: Salzburg, Real Madrid, Pachuca, Al Hilal