Barcelona’s Late Bid to Join FIFA Club World Cup Rejected in Favour of LAFC

Barcelona Denied Entry into 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Despite Last-Minute Appeal; LAFC Chosen Instead

In a surprising twist leading up to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Spanish football giants FC Barcelona reportedly made a last-minute appeal to FIFA requesting inclusion in the upcoming tournament. However, the plea was turned down, with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC (LAFC) securing the final spot instead.

According to sources close to FIFA, Barcelona’s appeal came after the qualification criteria had already been established, with LAFC qualifying based on their CONCACAF Champions League performance and overall club ranking.

Why Was Barcelona Denied?

Barcelona's exclusion stems from FIFA's strict qualification system, which prioritizes recent continental success. While Barcelona remains a football powerhouse with a rich history in European football, they failed to qualify based on UEFA Champions League results over the past four years — the primary criterion for European teams entering the expanded Club World Cup.

Meanwhile, LAFC's consistent performance in North American competitions and their rising international profile made them eligible for selection.

Club World Cup 2025: A New Era

The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, will feature 32 teams from around the globe. It marks a historic shift in the tournament’s format, designed to resemble a mini-World Cup with extended matches and global fan participation.

Notable clubs already confirmed include Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, among others.

What This Means for Barcelona

This rejection adds to Barcelona’s recent struggles in European competitions and puts more pressure on the club to secure top-level results in the upcoming seasons. Missing out on the high-profile Club World Cup also means loss of potential revenue, global exposure, and competitive prestige.

Fans are expressing disappointment, while analysts suggest this decision could motivate the Catalan club to bounce back stronger in the UEFA Champions League.

While Barcelona’s brand and history are legendary, FIFA’s qualification process favors current performance over reputation. As a result, LAFC will represent North America at the prestigious 2025 Club World Cup, while Barcelona watches from the sidelines — a wake-up call for the Catalan giants to regain their former European dominance.