Frank Christian
The updated Club World Cup features 32 teams from around the globe, aiming to engage fans and drive significant revenue for FIFA.
The inaugural edition of this tournament is scheduled for June and July 2025 in the United States, beginning with Inter Miami facing Al Ahly on Saturday, June 14.
European titleholders Paris Saint-Germain will take on Atletico Madrid the next day, while Real Madrid is set to clash with Al Hilal on June 18.
Although two of Spain’s top three teams aim for a deep run in the tournament, Barcelona is notably absent. What is the reason behind Hansi Flick’s La Liga champions not participating?
Reasons Behind Barcelona’s Absence from the FIFA Club World Cup
Barcelona will not be competing in the Club World Cup because Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are Spain’s representatives.
Real Madrid secured their spot by winning the UEFA Champions League twice during the designated qualification period from 2021 to 2024. Atletico Madrid was selected over Barcelona based on their higher UEFA coefficient ranking during the same timeframe.
Barcelona struggled in the Champions League during the qualification period, suffering from group-stage exits in 2021/22 and 2022/23, which led to a lower coefficient points total compared to Atletico, who performed better in European competitions.
With a limit of two teams per country allowed in the tournament — with specific exceptions noted in the linked resource below — it is the Madrid teams that will represent Spain at the Club World Cup, excluding Barcelona.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
With no Club World Cup obligations on the horizon, Barcelona is currently enjoying a break after their post-season. They wrapped up their 2024/25 season with a commanding 3-0 victory against Athletic Club on May 25.
While Barcelona has not yet disclosed their preseason schedule for the 2025/26 year, Mundo Deportivo reported last month that players are expected to return for training in the second week of July. They are projected to play a friendly match before embarking on an Asian tour, where they will encounter Vissel Kobe, FC Seoul, and Daegu FC from July 27 to August 4.
The Joan Gamper Trophy match, scheduled for August 9, will also serve as a test event for hosting fixtures at the renovated Camp Nou stadium.
