They may be Premier League heavyweights and six-time European champions, but Liverpool aren’t featured in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with Manchester City and Chelsea securing UEFA’s two coveted spots instead.
Newcomers tuning into the expanded 32-team tournament might wonder: Why are Liverpool missing? The revamped competition kicked off in the United States on June 14, with Inter Miami taking on Egypt’s Al Ahly at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in the first round of group stage fixtures.
Organized by FIFA and aiming to rival the UEFA Champions League as football’s premier club event, the tournament culminates on July 13 with the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
ALSO: Club World Cup: No interest, just injuries
With only two clubs permitted per nation, England’s representatives are Chelsea and Manchester City, leaving Liverpool and Arsenal on the outside looking in, despite their consistent dominance in the Premier League and European competitions.
The primary route to the Club World Cup was Champions League success, with the last four winners automatically qualifying. Chelsea (2021) and City (2023) booked their places by lifting the trophy, while Real Madrid (2022, 2024) claimed two of UEFA’s 12 allocated spots.
The remaining European berths were determined by UEFA’s club rankings over a four-year cycle. Had City and Chelsea not won the Champions League, Liverpool—as 2022 runners-up—would have qualified. Instead, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Porto, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Benfica, and Red Bull Salzburg secured their places based on consistent continental performances.
South America’s six slots went to Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo, plus Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate via CONMEBOL rankings.
Hosts the U.S. saw Inter Miami controversially included as the MLS’s representative, despite failing to win the league last season. They join Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC, who qualified by winning the Concacaf Champions League in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Mexican sides Monterrey and Pachuca’s recent Concacaf champions also feature.
From Asia, Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Urawa Reds (Japan), and Al Ain (UAE) qualified as AFC Champions League winners, while South Korea’s Ulsan HD made it via ranking. Africa’s entrants include Al Ahly and Wydad AC (CAF Champions League winners), plus ES Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns (via ranking). Oceania’s sole representative is Auckland City, champions of their region.
Poll: Pick your Club World Cup winner!
After grueling domestic campaigns, Liverpool and Arsenal might not mind skipping the U.S. trip. England manager Thomas Tuchel even suggested their exclusion could be a hidden advantage:
“I think the Club World Cup will have a huge impact, and it will give Liverpool and Arsenal a massive edge next season by not being there.”
With an already packed schedule, the tournament’s expansion has raised questions about player fatigue and competitive balance. But for now, City and Chelsea carry England’s hopes—while their rivals watch on.
WATCH: Sensible Liverpool Transfers
Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images
