Why Barcelona Missed the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Barcelona Misses Out on Club World Cup 2025

Barcelona, one of football’s biggest names, is absent from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The expanded 32-team tournament, held in the United States, runs from June 14 to July 13. Despite their storied history, financial and registration issues kept Barcelona out. Fans and analysts are disappointed, as the club’s absence reduces the tournament’s prestige.

What Barcelona Is Doing Instead

While the Club World Cup unfolds, Barcelona is preparing for the 2025-26 season. Under coach Hansi Flick, the team starts pre-season training on July 13.

They’re set for a tour in Asia to build fitness and test tactics. The club is also navigating transfer market challenges.

A failed move for Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, due to registration disputes, has sparked debate. Barcelona’s focus is on La Liga, where they trail rivals Real Madrid.

Chelsea and PSG, the finalists

Barcelona has not played in the 2025 Club World Cup. They failed to qualify, missing all matches in the tournament. Chelsea and PSG, the finalists, have dominated headlines.

Chelsea, for instance, won five of six games, including a 2-0 semi-final victory over Fluminense. Barcelona’s absence is a stark contrast to their usual European dominance.

Barcelona’s Club World Cup History

Barcelona has a strong Club World Cup legacy. They won the tournament three times: 2009, 2011, and 2015. In 2009, they beat Estudiantes 2-1 in extra time, with Lionel Messi scoring the winner.

In 2011, they crushed Santos 4-0, showcasing Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka style. Their 2015 triumph came against River Plate, winning 3-0. Barcelona also reached the final in 2006 but lost 1-0 to Internacional. Their three titles tie them with Real Madrid for the most in the competition’s history.

The 2025 Club World Cup final features Chelsea and PSG, set for July 13 at MetLife Stadium. Chelsea’s path included a 2-0 group stage win over Los Angeles, a loss to Al Hilal, and knockout victories against Benfica (4-1), Palmeiras, and Fluminense (2-0).

PSG advanced with a 4-0 semi-final rout of Real Madrid, led by Fabián Ruiz’s brace. Barcelona’s absence left the tournament without one of its usual heavyweights, with European clubs still dominating.

Why Barcelona Missed Out

Barcelona’s exclusion stems from financial woes and La Liga’s strict salary cap rules. The club couldn’t register new players like Nico Williams, hampering squad planning. Their absence, alongside other giants like Liverpool and Manchester United, has drawn criticism. Some analysts argue the tournament lacks legitimacy without these clubs.

FIFA’s new format, aiming for global inclusivity, hasn’t fully convinced fans, especially with half-empty stadiums reported. Barcelona’s focus now is on resolving these issues for a stronger 2025-26 campaign.

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