Why Liverpool Missed Out on the Expanded FIFA Club World Cup

Despite their storied history and immense global fanbase, Liverpool FC will not participate in the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, set to kick off in the United States in June 2025. Fans of the Reds might be wondering why their beloved club, under new manager Arne Slot, won't be among the elite gathered for this highly anticipated tournament. The simple answer lies in the stringent qualification criteria established by FIFA, which Liverpool unfortunately did not meet based on their performance between 2021 and 2024.

To secure a coveted spot in this revamped global club championship, European teams primarily needed to fulfill one of two key requirements:

• UEFA Champions League Winners: Automatic berths were granted to the champions of the UEFA Champions League from the 2020/21 through the 2023/24 seasons.
• Club Coefficient Ranking: The remaining European spots were allocated based on clubs' performance in the UEFA club coefficient rankings over the same four-year period, rewarding consistent success in European competitions.

Liverpool, despite their consistent competitiveness, did not manage to clinch a Champions League title within the specified window. For instance, Chelsea secured their spot as the 2021 Champions League winners, while Manchester City qualified as the 2023 champions. Furthermore, Manchester City's unprecedented dominance, including winning the last four Premier League titles, also contributed significantly to their high coefficient ranking, solidifying their place among the 32 teams. Liverpool's results during the 2021-2024 period simply did not generate the necessary points to make the cut for this innovative new tournament.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises to be a spectacular event, bringing together the world's best clubs in a fresh, expanded format. Adding to the excitement, football fans globally will be able to watch all 63 matches of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 for free and live on DAZN. This historic agreement allows for worldwide direct streaming of the tournament in various languages. The deal also includes the possibility for sub-licensing to local broadcasters in different markets, ensuring broad accessibility.

This broadcasting agreement marks the beginning of a broader partnership between DAZN and FIFA, which will also see the integration of FIFA+ content into DAZN. This will include an archive of iconic football moments, full replays of FIFA matches, and even live matches, creating a comprehensive platform for football enthusiasts.

While Liverpool's absence from this landmark tournament is a disappointment for their supporters, it highlights the incredibly competitive nature of European football and the high bar set for qualification into this new global spectacle.