This issue highlights a flaw in FIFA’s qualification system, where even the European champion might miss the tournament.

Arsenal and Barcelona, two of Europe’s standout teams this season and Champions League semi-finalists, will be absent from the first edition of the revamped Club World Cup, set to bring together the world’s best clubs every four years. The tournament will take place from June 14 to July 13 in the U.S., and the absence of these Spanish and English giants is a significant blow to its prestige.

FIFA’s qualification system, based on past performance (excluding the current season), has created this issue. Teams excelling in the year of the tournament may miss out due to weaker performances in previous years. Thus, despite their current brilliance, Arsenal and Barcelona will not participate.

Twelve European teams will participate, including winners of the last four Champions League editions, but the 2025 champion is notably missing. For example, Chelsea (2021 champion) and Manchester City (2023 champion) are in, while a potential 2025 winner like Arsenal, currently in top form, will be absent.

Another FIFA rule limits participation to a maximum of two teams per country unless more than two teams from one nation win the Champions League. Based on FIFA’s ranking system, which evaluates performance over the last four Champions League seasons, Atlético Madrid ranks above Barcelona, leaving Barça and Arsenal out. As a result, a team like Salzburg will participate instead—an absurd outcome.

The Champions League semi-finals under the new format feature second, third, fourth, and fifteenth-placed teams from the league stage, proving that the league phase accurately reflects competition levels, contrary to some criticisms.