The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is underway with major European giants like Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and PSG battling for global supremacy in the U.S.—but notably absent are Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
So, why are these Premier League heavyweights missing from this summer’s tournament? Qualification for the 2025 edition is based on past achievements in continental competitions going back several years. For instance, Chelsea qualified by winning the 2021 UEFA Champions League, while Manchester City secured their place with their 2023 triumph.
Arsenal, United, and Liverpool didn’t meet the qualifying criteria during that time frame, which explains their absence despite strong domestic performances in recent seasons.
The Club World Cup’s new 32-team structure draws clubs from six confederations and includes a lucrative prize pool. Teams earn $2M per group stage win, while simply participating guarantees European clubs between $12.81M and $38.19M. Clubs from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF each receive $9.55M.
Advancing through each stage brings even bigger rewards: $7.5M for reaching the Round of 16, $13.12M for the quarterfinals, $21M for the semis, $30M for being a finalist, and up to $125M for the eventual champions.
As the tournament unfolds, Chelsea and Manchester City will represent the Premier League with hopes of lifting the prestigious trophy and taking home a share of the massive prize money on offer.