The new FIFA Club World Cup tournament is on the horizon, but there’s a bit of a shock in the fact that Arsenal won’t be involved.
The Gunners didn’t compete in the old format of the competition, which required teams to win their continent’s version of the Champions League.
However, there was a real opportunity to be involved in the 2025 edition, which offered a brand new format.
The Club World Cup is changing to take part every four years, though it won’t include just the winners of these continental titles.
While that offered a chance for Arsenal to be involved next summer, FIFA decided against including the north London outfit.
Why Arsenal aren’t in the 2025 Club World Cup
Arsenal weren’t picked as part of the 2025 Club World Cup by FIFA, which had two clear criteria to match to be a part of it.
The 32-team format includes 12 places for UEFA teams, six for CONMEBOL, four each for CONCACAF, CAF and AFC and one for OFC.
To qualify, teams had to either win a continental title – like the Champions League – or have a high-ranking performance in the competitions across a four year period.
Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t match either, so they haven’t been included, though there is some controversy over the team decisions.
MLS side Inter Miami were chosen to compete by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, despite them not being the champions of their division.
They won the Supporters’ Shield, which was the winner of the regular season before the play-offs, creating scrutiny over Infantino’s decision, with Lionel Messi set to feature.
Which teams are in the 2025 Club World Cup?
So while Arsenal aren’t involved in the Club World Cup, there are a few different sides featuring in the 32-team competition.
| Confederation | Teams |
| AFC | Al Hilal, Al Ain, Urawa Red Diamonds, Ulsan HD |
| CAF | Al Ahly, Esperance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Casablanca |
| CONCACAF | Inter Miami, Leon, Monterrey, Pachuca, Seattle Sounders |
| CONMEBOL | Boca Juniors, Botafogo, Fluminense, Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate |
| OFC | Auckland City |
| UEFA | Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City, PSG, Porto, Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg |
The draw for the Club World Cup in 2025 takes place on Thursday, December 5, at 6pm (GMT), with it being in Miami.
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