The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be the most exciting edition in history, with an expanded 32-team format It will bring together the world’s best clubs for a month of top level football in the United States. Among the confirmed participants are Lionel Messis Inter MiamiWhich will make its debut at the International Club Stage.
However, a large team will be particularly absent –Cristiano Ronaldos al-Nassr will not present in the competition. Why will Messis Inter Miami be there, and why miss Ronaldos al-Nassr? Let’s break it down all.
Unlike other sides that secured their seats by winning Continental tournamentsThe Inter Miami’s qualification came through another path. When FIFA awarded a place for a club from the host nation, the place was given to the best performing MLS team during the regular season. The served this place by winning 2024 MLS supporter’s shieldAn award given to the team with the best record throughout the season.
The hedges put a new one MLS records with 74 points in a single seasondominates the league with an impressive driving led by former Barcelona stars, Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Jointly owned by David BeckhamThe team has quickly become one of the biggest names in American football, and 2025 Club World Cup will highlight its first look on the global stage.
The hedges have been drawn into Group A.where they will face Al Ahly (Egypt), Palmeiras (Brazil) and Porto (Portugal). To move on to the knockout rounds they have to finish in Top two of their group. Their first match will take place June 14, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miamiwhere they take on Egyptian Giants Al Ahly.
Why will al-Nassr not be included in the Club World Cup?
While Messis Inter Miami secured a place in the expanded club World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldos al-Nassr did not qualify. Although they were one of the largest clubs in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh-based outfit missed FIFA’s qualification system.
Only A Saudi Arabian club was granted a place in the tournament, and the honor went to Al HilalThe reigning Saudi pro league champion. Then FIFA prioritizes league winners and continental championsAl-Nassr’s failure to win a large title during the qualification period meant that they were disclosed. This means Ronaldo will have to look from the side line unless another type of possibilities arise.
Is Ronaldo’s participation in the Club World Cup still possible?
Despite Al-Nassr’s absence, Cristiano Ronaldo can still have a chance to compete in the tournament. His current contract with al-nassr goes until June 2025Just before the tournament starts.
FIFA recently introduced New transfer rules that allows players whose contract expires around the tournament period for Join qualified clubs as free agents or on loans. This opens the door to a potential trait that can see Ronaldo joins a club -World Cup team.
If a business is materialized, There may even be an opportunity for a dream reunion with a club like Real Madrid or Juventus. A potential collision with Messi on the world scene would be an unforgettable moment for football fans.
