Barcelona’s loss to PSG in the Champions League has resulted in their exclusion from next year’s expanded Club World Cup. The tournament, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, will feature a new format that occurs every four years and includes 32 teams.
Despite initially qualifying, Barcelona’s elimination from the Champions League opened up a spot for Atletico Madrid to take their place in the tournament. Other big clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and AC Milan also failed to qualify due to limitations on the number of entrants per country.
The 12 European teams that have secured their spots in the tournament include Chelsea, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern, PSG, Inter, Porto, Dortmund, Benfica, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid. Brazilian teams Flamengo and Palmeiras are also set to participate.
The tournament will also include Argentinean sides River Plate and Boca Juniors as well as Seattle Sounders and Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds and Egyptian team Al Ahly will also be present. However, notable absences include Inter Miami with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr team.
