CLUB WORLD CUP

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

Germany will be represented by two teams at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, yet Bayer Leverkusen, one of the nation's top clubs, is conspicuously absent. What led to their omission from the tournament lineup?

Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund at BayArena on May 11, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany.
© Lars Baron/Getty ImagesGranit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund at BayArena on May 11, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup marks its inaugural edition, featuring a diverse array of teams from FIFA’s various confederations. Among the participants, Germany boasts representation with two clubs, though notably absent is Bayer Leverkusen, a team that has recently distinguished itself with impressive performances.

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Without former head coach Xabi Alonso, who has taken the helm at Real Madrid, and star midfielder Florian Wirtz, who has signed with Liverpool for the upcoming season, Bayer Leverkusen are focused on filling these significant gaps in their lineup. Although they won’t be participating in the Club World Cup, this hiatus offers them a valuable opportunity to rest and reinforce their squad for future campaigns.

Several high-profile teams are conspicuous by their absence in this year’s Club World Cup. Fans had anticipated seeing giants like FC Barcelona and Liverpool, last season’s Premier League champions, both absent from this landmark edition of the tournament.

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Why Bayer Leverkusen miss out on the Club World Cup?

Bayer Leverkusen’s absence in this inaugural Club World Cup stems from their lack of Champions League titles between 2021 and 2024 and their lower standing in UEFA’s coefficient rankings during this period. These factors collectively contributed to their exclusion from this prestigious event.

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

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Despite these setbacks, if Leverkusen continues to perform at the high level they showcased last season, they stand a strong chance of enhancing their UEFA coefficient ranking. Such improvement could secure them a position in the next cycle of the Club World Cup, slated for 2029.

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Key star absences from Leverkusen

The absence of Bayer Leverkusen from this year’s Club World Cup also means fans miss out on several star players. Florian Wirtz, although committed to Liverpool for next season, misses the opportunity to shine on this international stage. Similarly, Ecuadorian standout Piero Hincapie is another key player that the tournament will lack. Despite these omissions, talents from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are expected to captivate audiences.

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The inaugural 2025 FIFA Club World Cup sets the stage for a new era in international club soccer, with its absence of several notable teams and stars highlighting the competitive nature of qualification.

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