Club World Cup list is set, RB Salzburg gets a spot

Arsenal’s defeat against Bayern Munich not only ended their Champions League campaign but also dashed their hopes of securing a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This setback opened the door for Red Bull Salzburg to claim the final European berth in the Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the USA next summer.

Traditionally reserved for the Champions League winners, the spot was reallocated due to all four semi-finalists already securing qualification. FIFA’s criteria for the new tournament dictated that nations could only have two entries unless they boasted multiple continental champions. Consequently, despite being ranked below prominent clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and AC Milan, Salzburg clinched the coveted spot based on their consistent performance over the past four years.

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Europe was allotted 12 spots for the expanded Club World Cup next year, accommodating teams from six confederations. Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, winners of the Champions League in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, had already secured their positions. Additionally, clubs such as Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid secured qualifications based on their recent performances in the Champions League.

The confirmation of Atletico Madrid’s place came after Barcelona’s unexpected exit from the competition on Tuesday, solidifying the Spanish club’s position in the prestigious Club World Cup lineup.