The revamped Club World Cup pits 32 teams from across the world against one another in a tournament FIFA hopes will captivate fans — and generate lots of revenue.
The first new edition of the competition takes place in June and July 2025 in the United States, with Inter Miami facing Al Ahly in the opening game on Saturday, June 14.
European champions Paris Saint-Germain are the first opponents for Atletico Madrid the following day, while Real Madrid first meet Al Hilal on June 18.
While two of Spain’s “big three” will hope to progress deep into the tournament, Barcelona are conspicuous by their absence. So, why are Hansi Flick’s La Liga champions not taking part?
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Why are Barcelona not playing at FIFA Club World Cup?
Barcelona are not at the Club World Cup because Spain’s representatives are Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos earned their place by virtue of winning the UEFA Champions League twice during FIFA’s chosen qualification period of 2021-2024. Atletico got the nod ahead of Barca based on their UEFA coefficient ranking during that same time frame.
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Poor performances in the Champions League during the qualification period — including group-stage exits in 2021/22 and 2022/23 — meant Barca’s coefficient points tally was lower than Atleti’s, who enjoyed stronger European campaigns.
With only two teams allowed per nation — exceptions to this are detailed in the link below — the Madrid clubs, and not Barca, will compete at the Club World Cup.
MORE: How the 32 teams qualified for the Club World Cup
When is Barcelona’s next match?
Without Club World Cup football to worry about, Barcelona are now on a post-season break. Their 2024/25 campaign concluded with a 3-0 win at Athletic Club on May 25.
The Blaugrana have yet to confirm their preseason plans ahead of 2025/26, but Mundo Deportivo reported last month that the players will reconvene for training in the second week of July. They are then expected to play a friendly match before heading on an Asian tour, where they will face Vissel Kobe, FC Seoul, and Daegu FC between July 27 and August 4.
The Joan Gamper Trophy match, slated for August 9, is set to be a pilot for hosting games at their revamped Camp Nou stadium.
MORE: Club World Cup draw, full schedule | Prize money on offer | All-time tournament winners
