Why Liverpool, Barcelona, and Napoli are Excluded from the Club World Cup
The qualification criteria for the Club World Cup means some deserving teams have to miss out.
The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup will commence soon, featuring powerhouse clubs that have demonstrated excellence throughout the year. Notably, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Napoli—champions of their respective leagues this season—will not be part of this prestigious tournament. This anomaly raises questions about the qualification process; despite their successes, these clubs have found themselves sidelined.
The Situation for Liverpool, Barcelona, and Napoli
The qualification format inherently gives preference to past UEFA Champions League victors, who gain direct entry into the tournament. As a result, we see prior winners like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City securing their spots. Consequently, both Liverpool, the Premier League champions, and Barcelona, the La Liga winners, find themselves ineligible. Meanwhile, Napoli, after their shocking triumph in Serie A, also face the same fate.
In essence, while these clubs might welcome a break from the relentless pace of soccer, they are missing out on competing for the substantial prize pot of one billion dollars.
The UEFA Champions League has shaped the current landscape. Historically, the last four winners were given automatic qualification, but this year’s format has prioritized teams based on their UEFA rankings, further complicating the situation for clubs like Liverpool and RB Leipzig.
In conclusion, although Barcelona sits close in UEFA rankings, the preference for past Champions League winners may change in future tournaments and hopefully grant a fairer opportunity.
Notable Dates for the Club World Cup
- Start Date: June 14, 2025
- Notable Matches: Liverpool and Barcelona set to engage further in domestic competitions, aiming to secure future qualifications through traditional league routes.
For live coverage of all matches, DAZN will be streaming the event, so fans can keep track of their favorite teams.
