FIFA launches its new Club World Cup on June 14 in the hope that a revamped spectacle taking place once every four years will capture a new audience of football fans.
This summer sees 32 teams from across the globe head to the United States to compete for the chance to be crowned the kings of club soccer, and take hope a sizeable sum in prize money.
Many of the most famous teams in the world will be taking part, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors and River Plate. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will begin the festivities with the opening game in Miami Gardens.
Yet some of the best-supported club sides will not be taking part at the tournament. Among them are Manchester United, who will instead have time to rest and recover after one of the worst seasons in their modern history.
Why exactly aren’t United involved? The Sporting News explains.
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Why are Manchester United not playing at FIFA Club World Cup?
Manchester United did not earn a place at the Club World Cup because there were other English teams ahead of them in that particular race.
Manchester City and Chelsea took the two English spots by virtue of winning the UEFA Champions League during FIFA’s designated assessment period (2021-2024). Chelsea won the final in 2021 (against City in Porto), and Pep Guardiola’s team claimed the trophy three years later as part of a famous treble.
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With only two teams allowed per nation — exceptions to this are detailed in the link below — that meant none of United, Arsenal or Liverpool could be involved as well.
MORE: How the 32 teams qualified for the Club World Cup
When is Manchester United’s next match?
United’s 2024/25 season ended with a 2-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa on May 25. They then embarked on a money-spinning but much-criticised mini-tour of Asia, losing to an all-star team before defeating Hong Kong.
Ruben Amorim and his players are now enjoying a summer break. They are due to return to training in early July before a preseason friendly against old rivals Leeds United in Stockholm.
After that, they head to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series, a small exhibition tournament also featuring Bournemouth, Everton and West Ham. Their final scheduled preseason game is against Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9.
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