For Barcelona, ​​elimination from the Champions League has unpleasant consequences in several respects. Xavi's team, which lost 4-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals on Tuesday (5-3 over two matches), is now not allowed to participate in the 2025 World Cup for Club Teams.

At the end of 2022, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that the Club World Cup would consist of 32 teams. The host country is the United States, which will organize the World Cup for countries a year later with Canada and Mexico.

The expansion to 32 clubs is a significant one, as the current setup only has room for seven clubs: the six winners of the continental tournaments and the champion of the host country. Eleven of the twelve participating clubs are now known in Europe.

Barcelona only had a chance of participation by giving the Champions League season a good follow-up. That did not happen, as the Catalans lost 4-1 at home to PSG on Tuesday.

Spain therefore delivers Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The last European spot is given to Arsenal or Red Bull Salzburg. The North Londoners will face Bayern Munich in their quarter-final on Wednesday (2-2 first leg).

European participants in the Club World Cup

England: Manchester City and Chelsea
Spain: Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid
Germany: Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund
Italy: Internazionale and Juventus
France: Paris Saint Germain
Portugal: Benfica and FC Porto

Last European participant: Arsenal or Red Bull Salzburg

Other continents: Al Ahly (Egypt), Seattle Sounders (United States), Fluminense, Flamengo, Palmeiras (all Brazil), Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco), Monterrey, Club León (both Mexico), Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Urawa Reds (Japan), Auckland City (New Zealand)

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