Official reports have confirmed that Barcelona, the renowned Spanish football club, will not be participating in the new format of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The decision stems from their failure to secure qualification, attributed to their defeat against PSG in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
The introduction of a revamped FIFA Club World Cup format for 2025 saw 32 teams vying for the prestigious title. Despite their prominence, Barcelona’s hopes were dashed following their loss to PSG, hindering their chances of advancing to the Champions League semifinals.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, clinched a spot that many argue Barcelona could have secured if they had progressed further in the Champions League.
Although Barcelona played on Tuesday, they lagged behind Atletico in the rankings for Spain’s second Club World Cup entry. Their defeat against PSG, with a 4-1 loss in the home leg of the quarterfinals, led to their elimination by a 6-4 aggregate score.
Meanwhile, Atletico faced elimination from the Champions League after a 4-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, yet they still secured their Club World Cup berth. Atletico is among the 22 teams qualified for the expanded 32-team edition, scheduled from June 15 to July 13, 2025, across cities in the U.S.
Barcelona’s absence raises questions about the UEFA coefficient rankings, which determine qualification for top European clubs. Despite their illustrious history, Barcelona’s lower four-year coefficient point compared to Atletico Madrid played a decisive role in their exclusion.
The UEFA qualification pathway grants entry to the top eight clubs based on rankings, along with the four UEFA Champions League winners over four years. However, Barcelona’s ranking placed them behind Atletico, sealing their fate for the 2025 Club World Cup.
With just one slot remaining, the competition intensifies, hinging on whether Arsenal can secure victory in the Champions League. If not, the spot automatically goes to Salzburg.
The scenario underscores the significance of UEFA coefficient rankings in determining club participation, reflecting the competitive landscape of European football. Barcelona’s absence serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of football competitions and the implications of performance on global stages.