Why Liverpool Missed the Club World Cup Despite Qualifying

The first edition of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup kicks off this weekend in the United States, with host team Inter Miami set to face Egyptian giants and 2020/21 CAF Champions League winners, Al Ahly. Notably absent from the tournament, however, is Liverpool.

Liverpool had initially earned a spot in the tournament after winning the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League, when the competition was originally set for China in 2021. However, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was rescheduled. By the time it was reorganized for 2025, UEFA’s club entry rules had shifted, leaving Liverpool out.

UEFA allows only two clubs per country unless more than two teams win their confederation’s top competitions. With Chelsea and Manchester City winning the Champions League in 2021 and 2023, respectively, Liverpool was edged out. As a result, the Reds are now the highest-ranked UEFA team—based on club coefficients—not to make the cut.

Despite missing out, Liverpool may benefit from a rare full summer break while many rivals compete abroad. England manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested this rest could help them in the upcoming Premier League season and possibly provide an edge in next season’s Champions League.

Still, Liverpool fans will see plenty of familiar faces at the tournament:

Players to Watch:

Trent Alexander-Arnold: The standout former Liverpool right-back now at Real Madrid, recently signed for £10 million after being released a month early from his contract. He’s expected to debut against Al-Hilal.

Luis Suárez: Now with Inter Miami, Suárez has already scored 33 goals in 58 games after joining Messi in MLS.

Ryan Kent: Once a Liverpool youth player, Kent now plays for Seattle Sounders. Since his free transfer in March, he’s made 10 appearances and notched three assists.

Allan: The Brazilian midfielder never played a competitive game for Liverpool due to work permit issues. He’s now a key part of Flamengo’s squad.

Marcelo Pitaluga: The young goalkeeper rejoined Fluminense after five years at Liverpool and is included in their Club World Cup squad.

Managers to Watch:

Xabi Alonso: The Liverpool legend has taken over at Real Madrid after an impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen. This marks his debut in the tournament as a manager.

Javier Mascherano: Another former Red, now managing Inter Miami, leads his team into the tournament after taking charge last November. Miami and Madrid could meet as early as the semi-finals.

Some ex-Liverpool players are missing the tournament due to injuries or selection choices. Emre Can is out for Dortmund with an adductor injury; Marko Grujić is sidelined at Porto with a heel problem; and Bobby Clark didn’t make Salzburg’s squad. Raheem Sterling and Scott Carson were also excluded from Chelsea and Manchester City’s squads, respectively.

Though Liverpool's absence is significant, the tournament still promises high-stakes football, big names, and emotional moments for Reds fans keeping tabs on former heroes.