Club World Cup

Why are Barcelona not playing at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

One of the most storied clubs in football history, FC Barcelona, will not be participating in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Why isn't this iconic team competing in one of the sport's most prestigious tournaments?

Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona at Estadio de San Mames on May 25, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.
Ā© Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty ImagesRobert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona at Estadio de San Mames on May 25, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.

FC Barcelona had a stellar performance last season, capturing titles in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Despite their remarkable showing in the UEFA Champions League, characterized by numerous goals and epic comebacks, they fell short of reaching the final against Inter Milan. This leaves fans wondering why the Catalan giants won’t be gracing the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.

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Under the guidance of German head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona reached new heights. Flick arrived at a pivotal moment when the club faced identity issues and financial difficulties. His leadership restored faith among the fan base, and the results were telling.

Even though Barcelona achieved tremendous success last season, highlighted by the emerging brilliance of Lamine Yamal, they will not participate in this year’s Club World Cup. Many fans anticipated the team’s appearance in the United States to assert their dominance and seek redemption for not clinching the Champions League title. However, there is a distinct reason behind their absence.

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The reason Barcelona are not participating at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Barcelona did not win any Champions League titles between 2021 and 2024, nor did they secure a high position in UEFA’s coefficient ranking during these challenging years for the club. This failure to clinch a spot in Europe’s elite competition explains their absence from this year’s Club World Cup.

Complete 2025 Club World Cup schedule: Excel, PDF, and printable downloads available

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Nevertheless, if Barcelona maintains the level of performance they exhibited last season, they could see an improvement in their UEFA coefficient ranking, potentially earning a place in the next Club World Cup scheduled for 2029.

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Barcelona stars missing the Club World Cup

Though the Club World Cup boasts a wealth of competitive teams this year, the absence of Barcelona is keenly felt by fans worldwide. Particularly anticipated were the appearances of rising stars who thrilled soccer enthusiasts with their outstanding performances last season.

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Lamine Yamal, turning 18 this July, stands out. Since his debut two years ago, he has captivated audiences with his talent. Alongside him, Pedri, acclaimed as one of today’s best midfielders, has demonstrated his prowess with both Barcelona and Spain. He continues to be ready for any challenge laid before him.

Additionally, fans will miss the presence of Robert Lewandowski, one of modern soccer’s finest strikers and a crucial element of Flick’s strategy at Barcelona. While Barcelona’s stars will be absent from the stadiums during this Club World Cup, the participating teams promise a spectacular spectacle in the United States.

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