Discover why Barcelona, Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal are missing the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the qualification controversy explained.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Why Yamal, Salah, Ronaldo, and Barcelona Are Absent.
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 represents one of the most significant changes in modern club football, bringing together elite teams from every continent in a month-long competition.
While FIFA hopes the revamped format will elevate the global profile of club football, the tournament has also intensified debates about qualification fairness, fixture congestion and commercial priorities. Many supporters have questioned why recent domestic champions and some of the world's most recognisable footballers are absent despite outstanding performances during the 2024–25 season.
As anticipation builds ahead of the competition in the United States, discussions continue over whether the new qualification system truly rewards sporting merit or favours historical European performances. With massive prize money, worldwide television audiences and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup all linked to this tournament, every decision has come under close scrutiny.
Understanding why stars such as Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo are missing provides valuable insight into FIFA's evolving vision for international club football and the challenges that accompany such an ambitious expansion.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Why Yamal, Salah, Ronaldo, and Barcelona Are Missing.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, set to kick off on June 14 and conclude on July 13 in the United States, marks a bold new chapter for the tournament with an expanded 32-team format. Designed as a global showcase of club football and a precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the event promises high-stakes competition across 12 stadiums, including iconic venues like MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
However, the tournament has sparked significant debate due to the absence of some of football’s biggest names—Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah, and Cristiano Ronaldo—and powerhouse clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool, and Napoli. From opaque qualifying criteria to player welfare concerns, this article explores the top five talking points surrounding the 2025 Club World Cup, delving into why these stars and teams will not be gracing the American stage.
1. Opaque Qualifying Criteria: Why Barcelona, Liverpool, and Others Miss Out
The absence of La Liga champions Barcelona, Premier League winners Liverpool, and Serie A champions Napoli from the 2025 Club World Cup has raised eyebrows, primarily due to FIFA’s complex and controversial qualification process. The tournament allocates 12 of its 32 spots to European clubs, with a maximum of two teams per country unless a nation has provided the last three UEFA Champions League winners. Qualification is based on a four-year club coefficient ranking, prioritizing performance in continental competitions, alongside automatic berths for recent Champions League winners.
For Spain, Real Madrid secured their spot through Champions League titles in 2022 and 2024, while Atlético Madrid edged out Barcelona based on superior European results over the four-year period. Barcelona, despite their domestic success in 2024–25 and a star-studded squad featuring Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, were hampered by two seasons in the UEFA Europa League (2021–23) after early Champions League exits, which weakened their coefficient ranking. Posts on X from December 2023 and April 2024 highlighted Barcelona’s exclusion, noting the financial blow of missing out on €50 million in prize money.
Similarly, Liverpool, despite Mohamed Salah’s historic 2024–25 season as the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner and Player of the Season, failed to qualify. England’s two spots went to Manchester City and Chelsea, the latter securing a berth as 2021 Champions League winners. Liverpool’s elimination in the 2023–24 Champions League and inconsistent European performances over the qualifying period left them short. Napoli, led by Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, also missed out, with Italy’s spots taken by Inter Milan and Juventus, who outperformed them in UEFA competitions.
The most contentious decision was FIFA’s allocation of a host-nation spot to Inter Miami, despite their first-round playoff exit in the 2024 MLS season. Critics, including posts on X, argue this move reflects FIFA’s desire to feature Lionel Messi, prioritizing commercial appeal over sporting merit. The opaque nature of these criteria has fueled accusations of favoritism, with one X post calling it “embarrassing” that MLS and FIFA manipulated rules to include Inter Miami.
2. Missing Superstars: Yamal, Salah, and Ronaldo’s Absence
The 2025 Club World Cup will feature global icons like Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) and Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain), but the absence of Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah, and Cristiano Ronaldo has dimmed the tournament’s star power. Each player’s exclusion is tied to their club’s failure to qualify, compounded by individual circumstances.
Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy, who won a domestic treble in 2024–25 and shone in Spain’s Euro 2024 and Nations League campaigns, will miss the tournament due to Barcelona’s non-qualification. Yamal’s remarkable stats—10 goals and 17 assists in 2024–25, with 49 goal-ending carries in La Liga—have made him a Ballon d’Or contender, but his absence is seen as a relief by some, given his 4,000+ minutes played this season. The Athletic noted that Yamal’s workload at 17 risks the same injury fate as overworked Barcelona youngsters like Ansu Fati and Pedri, making his exclusion a potential blessing for his long-term health.
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s talisman, who made history as the first Premier League player to lead in goals and assists while winning Player of the Season in 2024–25, will not feature due to Liverpool’s failure to secure a Champions League title or high enough coefficient ranking. Salah’s 49 goal involvements across all competitions underscored his brilliance, but with Manchester City and Chelsea taking England’s spots, fans will miss his electrifying presence. ESPN’s FC 100 rankings placed Salah as the top winger, edging out Yamal and Raphinha, highlighting the magnitude of his absence.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The 40-year-old legend, whose contract with Al Nassr expired in June 2025, faced speculation about a potential move to a Club World Cup participant like Botafogo via FIFA’s special transfer window. However, Ronaldo confirmed on June 7, 2025, that he declined “quite a few” offers from qualifying clubs, opting not to chase the tournament. Al Nassr’s failure to win the AFC Champions League or secure a coefficient-based spot meant Ronaldo, despite his storied career, could not add the Club World Cup to his trophy cabinet. Spanish outlet Marca reported interest from Brazilian clubs, but Ronaldo’s decision to prioritize his legacy over a short-term move has been widely discussed.
The absence of these stars, alongside other talents like Napoli’s Lukaku and McTominay, has led to criticism that the tournament lacks the global appeal FIFA intended. The decision to prioritize Messi’s Inter Miami, as noted by Al Jazeera, underscores a commercial strategy that has alienated some fans expecting a broader representation of football’s elite.
3. Player Welfare Concerns: A Cramped Schedule Under Scrutiny
FIFA’s decision to schedule the Club World Cup from June 14 to July 13, 2025, has drawn fierce criticism from FIFPRO, the global players’ union, and the World Leagues Forum (WLF) for exacerbating player workload issues. The tournament’s month-long duration, with up to seven matches for finalists, compresses the off-season, leaving players with minimal rest before domestic leagues resume in August.
FIFPRO’s December 2024 statement condemned FIFA’s lack of “workload safeguards,” warning of risks to players’ mental and physical health. A joint report with Football Benchmark highlighted Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde as an example, projecting he could play 78 games and 7,000 minutes by season’s end, with 65 back-to-back appearances and insufficient recovery time.
The WLF, led by Premier League chief Richard Masters, accused FIFA of prioritizing commercial interests over player welfare, noting that the schedule disrupts pre-season preparations and increases injury risks. La Liga also threatened legal action in 2019 when the expansion was announced, citing fixture congestion. The absence of Barcelona and Liverpool, ironically, may benefit players like Yamal and Salah, who have logged heavy minutes in 2024–25. Planet Football argued that Yamal’s 52 appearances and Salah’s relentless schedule make their exclusion a “much-needed” break, potentially preserving their fitness for the 2025–26 season and the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA countered these concerns, claiming the schedule aligns with the International Match Calendar to ensure rest periods, but skepticism persists. The Flashscore report noted ongoing legal action by FIFPRO against FIFA, emphasizing the tournament’s impact on recovery time and pitch conditions, especially after the 2024 Copa América’s subpar surfaces. FIFA’s assurances of natural grass and standard pitch dimensions (105x68 meters) aim to address these concerns, but player welfare remains a flashpoint.
4. Competitive Imbalance: European and South American Dominance
The expanded 32-team format, divided into eight groups of four, aims to globalize the Club World Cup by including teams from all FIFA confederations. However, the presence of European (12 teams) and South American (6 teams) powerhouses like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Flamengo raises concerns about competitive balance.
UEFA clubs have won 16 of the 20 previous editions, with CONMEBOL claiming the remaining four, suggesting that teams from Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF), and other confederations may struggle. For example, Group G pits Morocco’s Wydad AC and UAE’s Al Ain against Manchester City and Juventus, a matchup Al Jazeera predicts could result in lopsided scorelines.
The absence of Barcelona, Liverpool, and Napoli—clubs with recent domestic titles—further tilts the field toward established European giants. Givemesport noted that Barcelona’s exclusion, despite their La Liga triumph, stems from their Europa League stints, which cost them coefficient points. This structure favors consistent Champions League performers, potentially marginalizing emerging clubs and confederations. Critics argue that the format, while inclusive, risks diluting the tournament’s competitiveness, with fans potentially witnessing one-sided encounters rather than the “world-class football” FIFA promised.
5. Special Transfer Window: Ronaldo’s Decision and Market Implications
FIFA’s introduction of two special transfer windows (June 1–10 and June 27–July 3, 2025) for Club World Cup participants sparked intrigue, particularly around Cristiano Ronaldo. The windows, designed to allow last-minute signings and accommodate expiring contracts, fueled speculation that Ronaldo, whose Al Nassr contract ended in June 2025, could join a qualifying club like Botafogo.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino openly discussed Ronaldo’s potential participation, reflecting the tournament’s commercial ambitions. However, Ronaldo’s decision to decline offers, confirmed on June 7, 2025, ended hopes of a Messi-Ronaldo face-off, which could have boosted ticket sales and viewership.
Real Madrid capitalized on the window, signing Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool for €10 million to secure his availability, despite his contract nearing its end. The Athletic reported this move as a strategic play to bolster their squad, highlighting the window’s impact on team planning. However, the broader implications—players potentially switching clubs mid-tournament or facing uncertainty due to June 30 contract expirations—have raised concerns about squad stability and fairness. Football365 criticized the window as a “cynical” move, especially if used for short-term deals to attract stars like Ronaldo.
Broader Context: A Tournament Under Scrutiny
The 2025 Club World Cup, marketed as a “glittering showcase” for the 2026 World Cup, has faced challenges beyond player absences. Flashscore reported widespread ticket availability, even for the final at MetLife Stadium, suggesting lukewarm fan enthusiasm.
The decision to grant Inter Miami a host spot, despite their playoff loss, has drawn accusations of commercial bias, with Al Jazeera noting FIFA’s intent to leverage Messi’s global appeal. The $1 billion prize pool, with up to $125 million for the winner, underscores the tournament’s financial stakes, but critics argue it prioritizes revenue over sporting integrity.
Player welfare concerns, amplified by FIFPRO’s legal action, highlight a broader tension in football’s packed calendar. The tournament’s timing, clashing with pre-season tours and domestic league preparations, has frustrated clubs like Chelsea, who face logistical challenges. Sportcal noted that the prize money may offset losses from canceled tours, but the physical toll on players remains a sticking point. The absence of Barcelona, Liverpool, and stars like Yamal, Salah, and Ronaldo may benefit their long-term health, as Planet Football suggested, but it also deprives fans of seeing some of the game’s biggest talents.
Fan and Media Reactions
The absence of Yamal, Salah, Ronaldo, and Barcelona has sparked lively debate on X. Fans expressed disappointment, with one post stating, “Yamal missing the Club World Cup hurts his Ballon d’Or chances compared to Dembele and others who’ll play.” Others criticized FIFA’s qualification rules, with a user calling the Inter Miami decision “a marketing stunt for Messi.” Media outlets like ESPN and The Athletic praised Yamal and Salah’s brilliance, lamenting their absence while warning of burnout risks. Ronaldo’s decision to skip the tournament drew mixed reactions, with some praising his focus on legacy and others speculating about a potential Saudi-led push for Al Nassr in future editions.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with its expanded format and ambitious scope, aims to redefine club football’s global landscape. However, the absence of Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Barcelona underscores flaws in FIFA’s qualification criteria, prioritizing coefficient rankings over recent domestic success. Player welfare concerns, highlighted by FIFPRO and the WLF, cast a shadow over the tournament’s scheduling, while the special transfer window and Inter Miami’s inclusion fuel accusations of commercial bias.
While the event will showcase talents like Messi and Mbappé, the missing stars and teams diminish its allure, raising questions about competitiveness and fairness. As a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup, the Club World Cup is a bold gamble, but its success hinges on addressing these controversies and delivering the world-class spectacle FIFA envisions.UEFA Champions League latest news FAQ: FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Why is Barcelona not playing in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Barcelona failed to qualify because FIFA used a four-year UEFA coefficient ranking system, where Atlético Madrid earned Spain's remaining qualification place.
Why is Mohamed Salah missing the FIFA Club World Cup?
Liverpool did not qualify after falling behind Manchester City and Chelsea in UEFA qualification rankings.
Why isn't Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the tournament?
Cristiano Ronaldo's club Al Nassr failed to qualify, and he declined offers from participating clubs during FIFA's special transfer window.
Why is Lamine Yamal absent from the Club World Cup?
Although Yamal enjoyed an outstanding season, Barcelona's failure to qualify means he will not participate.
How many teams are playing in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
The tournament features 32 clubs from six continental confederations in its new expanded format.
Where is the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 being held?
The competition is being hosted across multiple stadiums in the United States.
What is the biggest controversy surrounding the tournament?
The main controversies involve FIFA's qualification rules, player welfare concerns, fixture congestion and the inclusion of Inter Miami despite their MLS playoff exit.
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