From Barcelona to Arsenal, these football giants are surprisingly missing from FIFA’s revamped global showdown. Here’s why their absence raises eyebrows.
The first edition of the new-format FIFA Club World Cup is finally here, promising blockbuster group stage clashes like PSG vs Atlético Madrid, Manchester City vs Juventus, and Bayern Munich vs Benfica. Yet despite the tournament’s expanded lineup, several football powerhouses are surprisingly missing. These are the 10 clubs that absolutely deserved to be in the competition — but aren’t.
1. FC Barcelona
Let’s start with the biggest snub: Barcelona. How on earth are they not in the inaugural 32-team tournament? One of the world’s most iconic clubs, Barça just completed a domestic treble in Spain and boasts a squad filled with global stars like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski. Their absence is a huge miss for the tournament’s prestige.
2. Liverpool FC
Liverpool are the champions of England and finished with a remarkable campaign. The Reds boast the Premier League Player of the Season, Mohamed Salah, Young Player of the Season Ryan Gravenberch, and the ever-reliable Virgil van Dijk. They were in the Champions League final just two years ago — a club of their stature should undoubtedly be present.
3. LA Galaxy
In a puzzling move, FIFA awarded the U.S. host slot to Inter Miami for winning the Supporters’ Shield — ignoring that LA Galaxy ended up being the actual MLS champions. The decision sparked controversy, with many accusing FIFA of prioritizing commercial interests to ensure Lionel Messi’s participation.
4. SSC Napoli
Napoli have clinched two Serie A titles in the past three seasons, while Juventus, who are in the Club World Cup, have won just a single Coppa Italia in five years. The inconsistency in UEFA’s ranking criteria is hard to justify when one of Italy’s current top sides is left out.
5. Club Nacional de Football
South America sent four Brazilian teams and three Argentine clubs to the tournament — but none from elsewhere. That leaves out giants like Nacional, one of Uruguay’s most historic and successful clubs. If Europe could bring teams from seven countries, surely South America could have done more to include regional diversity.
6. Pyramids FC
The Egyptian club just beat Mamelodi Sundowns to win the CAF Champions League, yet they won’t feature in the Club World Cup — while the runners-up will. That’s like PSG missing out after beating Inter Milan in the final. The optics aren’t great.
7. Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul were crowned CONCACAF Champions Cup winners after a 5–0 demolition of Vancouver. Still, they won’t be at the Club World Cup, while LAFC and Club América, who didn’t even reach the semifinals, got a second chance through a play-in match. Make it make sense.
8. Sporting CP
Sporting have been the most successful Portuguese club in recent years, winning 3 league titles in 5 seasons and multiple domestic doubles. Yet it’s Benfica, with one title in five years, who represent Portugal. Results on the pitch should matter more than historical coefficients.
Final Thoughts
The Club World Cup is meant to gather the world’s elite clubs for a global showdown, but these omissions suggest the selection process still needs refining. Whether due to unclear criteria, commercial motives, or outdated rankings, several deserving teams will be watching from home.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Club World Cup
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
