club world cup

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

Liverpool, despite being one of the Premier League's dominant teams, will notably miss the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 for a straightforward reason.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah
© IMAGO / Propaganda PhotoLiverpool's Mohamed Salah

The restructuring of the FIFA Club World Cup has ignited increased interest among fans by introducing a more competitive format with more teams. As a result, this shift has set the stage for highly anticipated matchups like PSG vs. Atletico Madrid. However, amidst the excitement, one noticeable absence stands out: Liverpool. The Premier League giant will not participate, even though other major clubs such as FC Bayern and Real Madrid are set to compete.

Under the stewardship of Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have ascended to the upper echelons of their league, consistently ranking as one of its top performers. Klopp’s leadership transformed the team into a powerhouse, boasting a roster filled with world-class talents that secured both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles.

Liverpool’s dominance in England remains evident, largely due to the exceptional contributions of standout players like Mohamed Salah, a prime candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. They have consistently outperformed many other Premier League teams in recent years. This success leaves many fans puzzled as to why Chelsea secured a spot in the tournament instead of Liverpool.

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The reason Liverpool did not qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Under the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 criteria, UEFA secured 12 spots, offering several teams a chance to compete. The conditions required UEFA Champions League winners from 2021 to 2023 to qualify. Thus, Liverpool missed out, as they clinched the title in 2019. Moreover, Manchester City and Chelsea ranked higher within UEFA standings, further complicating Liverpool’s path to qualification.

Liverpool UCL winner in  2019

Jordan Henderson of Liverpool lifts the Champions League Trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

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The competition also limited participation to a maximum of two teams per country. This rule aimed to ensure diversity of teams in the tournament. Consequently, Liverpool must wait another four years. They look to earn a spot in a tournament they last won in 2019.

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

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Meanwhile, their absence mirrors that of other European powerhouses like FC Barcelona and Arsenal. Despite their impressive form, these clubs find themselves overshadowed. Teams from their respective leagues secured qualification instead.

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