Salzburg claim last Club World Cup spot as Arsenal exit Champions League

Arsenal had a double blow when they lost to Bayern Munich last night, as they were knocked out of the Champions League and missed out on a chance to play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

This defeat allowed Red Bull Salzburg to earn the final European spot in the Club World Cup, set to happen in the USA next summer. 

This spot was reserved for the Champions League winners, but since all four semi-finalists had already qualified, it was given to the best-performing team over the past four years who hadn't already made it.

According to FIFA rules for this new tournament, nations can only have two entries unless they have multiple continental champions. So, Salzburg made it despite being ranked below Liverpool, Barcelona, and AC Milan.

Europe got 12 spots for the bigger Club World Cup next year, with teams from six confederations. Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, as winners of the Champions League in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, have secured spots.

Other teams like Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid have also earned qualifications due to performances in recent Champions League seasons. Atletico Madrid's place was also confirmed after Barcelona's exit on Tuesday.

Congratulations to @RedBullSalzburg on qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025! 👏

As a result of @Arsenal's elimination from the @ChampionsLeague, FC Salzburg are now assured of a spot at the tournament via Europe's rankings pathway. pic.twitter.com/CgBjxdNGMD

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) April 17, 2024