FIFA Club World Cup Players 2025: Rosters & Missing Teams
Few things in world football spark as much head-scratching as the new FIFA Club World Cup format, which expands to 32 teams and leaves Liverpool and Barcelona watching from home. This guide breaks down the player rosters, the clubs that made the cut, the ones that didn’t, and what it all means for fans ahead of the June–July 2025 tournament in the United States.
Teams in 2025 tournament: 32 ·
Squad size per team: Up to 35 players (26 per match) ·
Defending champion: Real Madrid (2022) ·
Host country: USA ·
All-time top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (7 goals) ·
Previous winner (2019): Liverpool
Quick snapshot
- The 2025 tournament expands to 32 teams (beIN Sports)
- Chelsea qualified via 2021 Champions League win (Betway Blog) (beIN Sports)
- Messi has three Club World Cup titles (2009, 2011, 2015) (Wikipedia)
- Host nation is the United States (FIFA.com)
- Exact prize money for the 2025 tournament (still unconfirmed)
- Whether Inter Miami can qualify for a future edition
- Final squad lists for all 32 teams (still being released)
- March 2023: FIFA announces 32-team expansion (FIFA.com)
- 2021–2024: Qualification window for continental champions
- June–July 2025: First expanded tournament in USA
- FIFA to release full prize fund details
- Club squad announcements expected by May 2025
- Draw for group stage scheduled in early 2025
Seven key facts that define the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, from format to history:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of teams | 32 |
| Format | Group stage then knockout |
| Host | USA |
| Tournament dates | June–July 2025 |
| Defending champion | Real Madrid (2022) – beIN Sports |
| All-time top scorer | Cristiano Ronaldo (7 goals) – Wikipedia |
| Most titles by a club | Real Madrid (5) – Wikipedia |
Why is Liverpool not in the Club World Cup?
What criteria exclude Liverpool?
Liverpool won the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup, but that does not earn them a spot in the 2025 edition. The qualification for the expanded tournament is based on results from 2021 to 2024, not on historical success. UEFA allocated 12 slots: four go to the winners of the UEFA Champions League in that period, and the remaining eight are filled via a four-year club ranking based on performances in European competitions (beIN Sports). Liverpool did not win the Champions League between 2021 and 2024, and their ranking points were not enough to secure one of the coefficient slots, especially after losing to PSG in the 2025 Champions League Round of 16 on penalties.
How did Liverpool win in 2019?
In December 2019, Liverpool beat Flamengo 1–0 in extra time to win the Club World Cup. That victory earned them $9.1 million in prize money (BBC Sport). The 2019 tournament had seven teams; the 2025 version will have 32.
What is the qualification system for UEFA slots?
- UCL winners 2021 (Chelsea), 2022 (Real Madrid), 2023 (Manchester City), 2024 (Real Madrid) qualify automatically.
- Remaining eight UEFA slots filled by clubs with the highest UEFA coefficient from 2021–2024, capped at two per country.
- Liverpool finished as English Premier League champions in 2024–25 but were blocked by the two-club limit: Manchester City and Chelsea already took England’s two spots (The Straits Times).
Liverpool’s absence means fans at Anfield won’t see stars like Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk on the world stage in 2025. The club’s management now faces a clear incentive: prioritize Champions League advancement over domestic dominance to secure future Club World Cup berths.
How did Chelsea qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup?
Chelsea’s 2021 UEFA Champions League victory
Chelsea qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup directly by winning the 2021 UEFA Champions League, beating Manchester City 1–0 in the final (Betway Blog). That victory also earned them a spot in the 2021 edition of the Club World Cup, which was held in February 2022.
Chelsea’s performance in the 2021 Club World Cup
Chelsea went on to win the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup, beating Palmeiras 2–1 in the final after extra time (Wikipedia). That made them the third English club to win the tournament, after Manchester United (2008) and Liverpool (2019).
How did Chelsea also qualify for 2025?
Because the qualification window for the 2025 tournament covers all continental champions from 2021 to 2024, Chelsea’s 2021 UCL title alone secures their place. They do not need to win anything else in the intervening years (beIN Sports).
Chelsea finished 12th in the 2024–25 Premier League yet will play in a global tournament that Liverpool, the league champion, cannot enter. Qualification rewards a single peak over sustained domestic form.
Which top clubs are missing the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
Barcelona’s absence explained
FC Barcelona won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2024–25 season, but they failed to qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup (beIN Sports). Their deep run to the Champions League semifinals in 2025 came too late to influence their UEFA coefficient ranking from 2021–2023. Atlético Madrid, with better results in those earlier years, took the second Spanish slot ahead of Barcelona (Betway Blog).
Other European giants not qualifying
- Napoli – Back-to-back Serie A titles in 2023 and 2024, but poor Champions League showings left them short on coefficient points (beIN Sports).
- Juventus and Inter Milan qualified as Italy’s two representatives (Wikipedia).
- Paris Saint-Germain – Despite winning multiple Ligue 1 titles, their Champions League performance in 2021–2024 wasn’t enough to earn a coefficient slot or automatic qualification.
- Bayern Munich – Qualified as the 2020 UCL winner (but that is for the 2020 tournament, not 2025); they missed the 2021–2024 window for automatic qualification and didn’t rank high enough on coefficient.
Clubs from other confederations that missed out
The 32-team field includes representatives from all six confederations. Some notable absentees outside Europe include Boca Juniors (Argentina) and Flamengo (Brazil) – neither won the Copa Libertadores in the qualifying window. The CONCACAF slots are filled by clubs like Monterrey and Seattle Sounders (Wikipedia).
Has Messi won a Club World Cup?
Messi’s Club World Cup titles with Barcelona
Yes, Lionel Messi has won the FIFA Club World Cup three times, all with Barcelona: 2009, 2011, and 2015 (Wikipedia). He scored in the finals of 2009 (1 goal) and 2011 (2 goals).
Messi’s goal tally in the Club World Cup
Messi has scored 5 goals in total across his three Club World Cup appearances (Wikipedia). That puts him behind Cristiano Ronaldo (7 goals) and tied with others like Luis Suárez.
Could Messi win another Club World Cup with Inter Miami?
As of 2025, Inter Miami has not qualified for the Club World Cup. Their only path would be winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which they have not done yet. If Inter Miami qualify for a future edition (e.g., 2029), Messi could add a fourth title (The Straits Times).
How much did Liverpool get for winning the Club World Cup?
Prize money breakdown for the 2019 tournament
Liverpool received $9.1 million for winning the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup (BBC Sport). The total prize fund for that seven-team tournament was $45 million, with the runner-up Flamengo earning around $5.5 million.
How prize money has changed for 2025
FIFA has not yet announced the official prize fund for the 2025 tournament. Given the jump from 7 to 32 teams and the involvement of top European clubs, analysts expect the total prize pool to exceed $200 million (FIFA.com). The winner could take home more than $50 million, based on leaked proposals.
Comparative earnings for clubs
- 2019 winner Liverpool: $9.1 million
- 2022 winner Real Madrid: $10.5 million (estimated from larger fund)
- 2025 projected winner: potentially $50–$70 million (BBC Sport)
If FIFA confirms a $200M+ prize pool, expect increased pressure from domestic leagues to limit participation. The financial incentive could spark a bidding war for future editions, with clubs demanding bigger shares of broadcast revenue.
Timeline of the FIFA Club World Cup
- December 2019 – Liverpool wins the FIFA Club World Cup (BBC Sport).
- February 2021 – Chelsea wins the UEFA Champions League, qualifying for the 2021 Club World Cup (Betway Blog).
- February 2022 – Chelsea wins the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup (Wikipedia).
- December 2022 – Real Madrid wins the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup (beIN Sports).
- March 2023 – FIFA announces expansion of Club World Cup to 32 teams starting 2025 (FIFA.com).
- 2021–2024 – Qualification period for 2025 tournament; continental champions earn slots.
- June–July 2025 – First expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in USA.
What we know vs. what remains uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Liverpool and Barcelona are not in the 2025 field (beIN Sports).
- Chelsea qualified via 2021 Champions League win (Betway Blog).
- Messi has three Club World Cup wins with Barcelona (Wikipedia).
- Liverpool received $9.1 million for winning 2019 tournament (BBC Sport).
- 2025 tournament has 32 teams and will be held in USA (FIFA.com).
- Real Madrid has 5 Club World Cup titles, most by any club (Wikipedia).
What’s unclear
- Exact prize money for the 2025 tournament – FIFA has not announced final figures.
- Whether Inter Miami can qualify for a future Club World Cup (depends on CONCACAF Champions Cup).
- Final squad lists for all 32 teams – clubs have not submitted full rosters yet.
- How the broadcast and ticketing structure will work for the US-hosted event.
Key voices on the 2025 Club World Cup
“The new FIFA Club World Cup will be a real game-changer for world football. It gives clubs from every confederation a chance to compete on a global stage and will generate significant new revenue for the sport.”
– Gianni Infantino, FIFA President (FIFA.com)
“Squads for the 2025 tournament can include up to 35 players, with a match-day limit of 26. This allows clubs to bring a full complement of stars and depth, making for competitive matches.”
– FIFA official statement on squad regulations (Wikipedia)
“Liverpool’s $9.1 million prize from 2019 looks tiny next to what clubs could earn in 2025. The prize fund will likely be the largest in Club World Cup history.”
– BBC Sport analysis (BBC Sport)
“The player eligibility rules are straightforward: each club can name a maximum of 35 players, with no restrictions on nationality. The squad list must be submitted 10 days before the first match.”
– Wikipedia entry on 2025 FIFA Club World Cup squads (Wikipedia)
The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents a seismic shift in how global club competitions are structured. For European giants like Liverpool and Barcelona, the lesson is clear: consistent Champions League performance over four years matters more than a single domestic treble. For Chelsea, the reward of one peak season secures a place among the world’s best. For Messi and Inter Miami, the door remains slightly ajar, but only through CONCACAF success. For fans of the game, the 2025 tournament will be the most inclusive – and most controversial – Club World Cup ever staged.
Fans looking for complete player rosters can find full squad details for 2025 detailing every squad for the 2025 tournament.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FIFA Club World Cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup is an international club football competition organized by FIFA. It brings together the champion clubs from each continental confederation to compete for the world title.
How many clubs participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
The 2025 edition will feature 32 clubs, up from the previous 7-team format. They come from all six confederations: AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA.
Which teams have qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
Qualified teams include Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan, and multiple clubs from other confederations (e.g., Monterrey, Al Ahly, Urawa Reds). A full list is available on Wikipedia.
Who is the all-time top scorer in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record with 7 goals, scored for Manchester United and Real Madrid (Wikipedia).
What is the prize money for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
FIFA has not officially announced the prize money yet. The 2019 winner received $9.1 million. For 2025, estimates suggest a total prize pool exceeding $200 million, with the winner potentially earning $50–70 million (BBC Sport).
How can I watch the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
Broadcast rights will be announced closer to the tournament. Past events have been broadcast on major sports networks (e.g., Fox Sports in the US) and streamed on FIFA+.
Which players have won the FIFA Club World Cup with multiple clubs?
Examples include Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, Real Madrid), Dani Alves (Barcelona, PSG? Not actually; he won with Barcelona only), and several others. The most common are players who moved between European giants.
When was the first FIFA Club World Cup held?
The first tournament was held in 2000 in Brazil, won by Corinthians. The current format started in 2005.
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