Why Barcelona May Feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Despite Failing to Qualify

FC Barcelona’s absence from the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 was a major setback — both in sporting prestige and financial opportunity. 

But despite falling short on the pitch, the Catalan giants may still find themselves in the tournament through the back door.

The Blaugrana missed out on automatic qualification due to underwhelming UEFA Champions League campaigns between 2021 and 2024. Costly defeats — including a 2-5 and 4-6 collapse to Paris Saint-Germain — significantly dented their UEFA coefficient. 

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That opened the door for Atlético Madrid to join Real Madrid as Spain’s two representatives, leaving Barcelona on the outside looking in.

With FIFA awarding significant financial rewards simply for participating in the expanded tournament, Barcelona’s exclusion could not have come at a worse time. 

The club has been grappling with financial instability for several seasons and was hoping to leverage its global brand at the Club World Cup to inject some much-needed revenue.

However, according to journalist David Faitelson, Barcelona’s Club World Cup dream may not be over just yet. 

FIFA is reportedly discussing the possibility of inviting Barcelona as a replacement for Mexico’s Club León, who have been suspended due to a breach of FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

León’s parent company, Grupo Pachuca, also owns fellow Mexican side CF Pachuca, which had already qualified for the tournament — creating a conflict under FIFA’s regulations.

Should León’s disqualification be upheld, Barcelona has emerged as a leading candidate to take their place. 

While no official decision has been made, the prospect of welcoming one of the most recognizable football clubs in the world is likely to appeal to FIFA, especially given the tournament’s ambitions of global appeal and marketability.

For Barcelona, an invitation would be more than just a second chance.  It could be a crucial financial lifeline. 

Club officials are reportedly optimistic about projected income from this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign and a lucrative pre-season tour in Asia.

 The addition of Club World Cup earnings could further stabilise the club’s finances and help them inch closer to returning to La Liga’s 1:1 financial rule this summer — which would allow them to reinvest earnings directly into player acquisitions.

That said, an invitation is far from guaranteed. Barcelona’s potential inclusion would involve several legal and procedural steps, especially given the precedent it may set for future editions. 

However, should FIFA move forward with the plan, the Blaugrana may find themselves back on the world stage by  invitation.

In a twist of fate, Barcelona’s Club World Cup hopes may now hinge not on what they did on the pitch, but on the actions of a club thousands of miles away.