FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Expands US Tournament Amid Key Player Absences

The expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States features a historic $1 billion prize pot and showcases top talents like Lionel Messi with Inter Miami, yet several global stars will be absent due to qualification complexities. Notably, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Napoli will not participate, sidelining key players such as Mohamed Salah, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Pedri, and Robert Lewandowski, thus missing potential marquee matchups including Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo. The tournament highlights emerging stars from Brazil and Argentina, with players like Palmeiras' Estevao and Allan, Botafogo’s Nathan Fernandes and Jair, and River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono poised to impress. Additionally, Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos, known for his strong performances at Strasbourg, is among the under-the-radar players expected to make an impact. Brazil leads in player representation, with 141 participants, followed by 103 from Argentina, emphasizing the tournament as a platform for the next generation of football talent. Despite some absences, the event promises a blend of established stars and rising prospects, reflecting the global growth and competitive diversity of club football.