The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be the most expansive and lucrative edition of the tournament yet, with 32 elite clubs set to compete in the United States. While fans eagerly anticipate clashes between Europe’s giants—such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and Chelsea—one major club will be conspicuously absent from the spectacle: Liverpool.
Despite recently clinching the Premier League title and proving themselves among Europe’s finest, the Reds will watch the revamped tournament from afar.
Table of contents
FIFA’s Revised Format and the Big Omission
The governing body’s decision to expand the Club World Cup to 32 teams brought optimism to clubs worldwide. The tournament will adopt a group-and-knockout stage structure—eight groups with four teams each, followed by a four-round elimination phase. However, one rule has significantly influenced club representation: FIFA’s “two teams per nation” policy. This restriction has led to Liverpool’s unexpected exclusion.
Although Liverpool have performed consistently on the European stage over the last few years, England already has two representatives—Chelsea and Manchester City—who secured their spots through UEFA Champions League triumphs. Chelsea lifted the title in 2020–21, while Manchester City claimed continental glory in 2022–23. That rulebook technicality has proven costly for the Merseyside club.
Champions League Record the Defining Factor
European qualification for the tournament hinges on a four-year performance window in the UEFA Champions League, starting from the 2020–21 season. Clubs that either win the competition or rank highly based on UEFA’s coefficient system during this stretch secure a ticket to the Club World Cup.
Had Liverpool overcome Real Madrid in the 2022 final, they would have booked their place in the tournament instead of Chelsea. The Reds boast a stronger UEFA coefficient ranking than the West London outfit, but silverware ultimately held more weight than statistics.
As a result of this qualification matrix, Chelsea and Manchester City punched their tickets, while Liverpool—despite being one of the continent’s strongest sides over the last few years—missed out.
The Missed Opportunity and Hypothetical Scenarios
It’s a case of fine margins for Jürgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, and his team. One result in Paris could have dramatically altered the outcome. Liverpool’s 2022 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid not only denied them another European crown but also indirectly blocked their Club World Cup path.
Interestingly, Atletico Madrid have been included despite not winning the Champions League in the qualifying cycle. UEFA’s coefficient system favored them due to Real Madrid’s dominance—claiming two Champions League titles within the period. Since a nation cannot have more than two clubs in the tournament, Liverpool’s high ranking could not override their absence of a title.
When Will Liverpool Return to the Club World Cup?
Liverpool’s absence from the global stage in 2025 provides them with an extended summer and a unique opportunity to regroup. Arne Slot will lead the squad to Asia for their preseason tour, and the additional time off could prove valuable. With no Club World Cup commitments, Liverpool can focus on squad development, rest, and tactical preparation for another intense season.
Although they must sit out the 2025 edition, Liverpool will have another shot at Club World Cup qualification in 2029. UEFA will introduce a fresh four-year cycle beginning with the 2024–25 season, offering a clean slate for clubs to make their mark. Arne Slot’s project, still in its infancy, will aim to build on the current momentum and return the Reds to the international stage.
FAQs
FIFA’s two-team-per-nation rule blocks Liverpool from participating, with Chelsea and Manchester City already qualifying.
Chelsea and Manchester City secured their spots by winning the UEFA Champions League in 2020–21 and 2022–23, respectively.
Yes, Liverpool could have qualified if they had defeated Real Madrid in the 2022 Champions League final.
Liverpool can target qualification for the next edition in 2029, based on the 2024–2028 Champions League cycle.
Liverpool will head to Asia for their preseason tour and focus on preparing for the upcoming campaign under Arne Slot.
