Barça, Arsenal, Liverpool: Why don't they participate in the World Cup club?

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By: Manu Tournoux

The poster could have been historic: from June 15 to July 13, the 2025 club World Cup brings together 32 teams in the United States. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich are there … But not Barça, Arsenal or Liverpool. An icing paradox for this “elite” competition. Worse: With the Miami of Messi and RB Salzburg, some minor clubs have their tickets when the giants stay at the quay. FIFA assumes an “inclusive” format, but that has something to frustrate supporters.

“The national quotas trap”

The reason is relentless: FIFA limits the number of clubs per nation to two (except tripled from Champions League winners). In England, Chelsea (C1 2021) and City (C1 2023) truse the places. Liverpool, yet a finalist in 2022, and Arsenal are sacrificed. In Spain, Real (winner in 2022 and 2024) and Atlético (best UEFA coefficient) eject Barça, eliminated too early in C1 between 2021 and 2024 910. A “sporting” criterion that ignores notoriety and history.

Liverpool, the ransom of 2022

The drama of the Reds is due to a match: the final of C1 lost against Real in 2022. Victorious that day, they would have stolen Place de Chelsea. For Arsenal, it's worse: never winner in C1, the club is laminated by the regulations. As for Barça, his groups in phase of groups (2022, 2023) weighed it against Atlético, more regular in the quarterfinals.

Barça and Yamal will not compete in the World Cup.

“The broken dream of Lamine Yamal”

Despite a sparkling 2025 season (C1 semi-final, winner of the national double), Barça hoped for an invitation after the suspension of the Mexican club León. Las: FIFA refuses any replacement before the verdict of the Arbitral Tribunal of Sport. A cruel injustice for stars like Yamal, deprived of global showcase … and for fans, condemned to see cadors replaced by teams with limited pedigree (Salzburg, Al Ain).

2029 or nothing: the bitter observation

These absences reveal a historic mess: the World Cup of clubs loses credibility without these legends. Liverpool, Arsenal and Barça will have to win the Champions League by 2028 to play the 2029 edition. In the meantime, their players have a summer of rest … When City and Chelsea run out in a 7 -game tournament. A Cornelian dilemma: sports freshness vs financial prestige.