The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be the most exciting edition in history, featuring an expanded 32-team format that will bring together the world’s best clubs for a month of top-tier soccer in the United States. Among the confirmed participants is Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, which will make its debut on the international club stage.
However, one major team will be notably absent—Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr will not feature in the competition. Why will Messi‘s Inter Miami be there, and why is Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr missing out? Let’s break it all down.
Unlike other sides that secured their places by winning continental tournaments, Inter Miami’s qualification came through a different route. As FIFA allocated one spot for a club from the host nation, the place was given to the best-performing MLS team during the regular season. They earned this place by winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, an award given to the team with the best record throughout the season.
The Herons set a new MLS record with 74 points in a single season, dominating the league with an impressive run led by former Barcelona stars, Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Co-owned by David Beckham, the team has quickly become one of the biggest names in American soccer, and the 2025 Club World Cup will mark its first-ever appearance on the global stage.
The Herons have been drawn into Group A, where they will face Al Ahly (Egypt), Palmeiras (Brazil), and Porto (Portugal). To progress to the knockout rounds, they must finish in the top two of their group. Their first match will take place on June 14, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where they will take on Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Why Al-Nassr won’t be part of Club World Cup?
While Messi’s Inter Miami secured a place in the expanded Club World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr did not qualify. Despite being one of the biggest clubs in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh-based outfit missed out due to FIFA’s qualification system.
Only one Saudi Arabian club was granted a spot in the tournament, and that honor went to Al Hilal, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions. Since FIFA prioritizes league winners and continental champions, Al-Nassr’s failure to win a major title in the qualification period meant they were left out. This means Ronaldo will have to watch from the sidelines unless another type of opportunity emerges.
Is Ronaldo’s participation in the Club World Cup still possible?
Despite Al-Nassr’s absence, Cristiano Ronaldo may still have a chance to compete in the tournament. His current contract with Al-Nassr runs until June 2025, just before the tournament kicks off.
FIFA recently introduced new transfer rules that allow players whose contracts expire around the tournament period to join qualified clubs as free agents or on loan. This opens the door for a potential move that could see Ronaldo join a Club World Cup team.
If a deal materializes, there could even be a possibility of a dream reunion with a club like Real Madrid or Juventus. A potential clash with Messi on the world stage would be an unforgettable moment for soccer fans.
