The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be the most star-studded edition yet, with 32 teams from across the globe competing for international supremacy.
But while the tournament welcomes an elite gathering of continental champions and consistent performers, several heavyweight clubs, some of the most valuable in the world, will be conspicuous by their absence.
According to data from Transfermarkt, here are the 10 most expensive clubs by squad valuation that have missed out on qualification for the 2025 tournament in the United States, and the marquee names who won’t be lighting up the world stage.
1. Arsenal – €1.09 Billion
Mikel Arteta’s side, despite pushing Manchester City in back-to-back Premier League title races, fall short of Club World Cup qualification. Arsenal’s squad boasts elite young talent, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and William Saliba driving the Gunners to domestic prominence. Their absence underlines the brutal qualification system based on European pedigree over recent seasons.
2. Barcelona – €1.07 Billion
The Catalan giants have undergone a period of transition after Lionel Messi, but still field a squad rich in talent. From Pedri and Gavi to Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha, Barcelona remain one of Europe’s most technically proficient sides. Along with them, Lamine Yamal has emerged as the next big star in European football. However, inconsistency in continental competitions has cost them dearly on this front.
3. Liverpool – €868 Million
Despite winning the Champions League in 2019 and remaining a top-four staple, Liverpool miss the cut. Key names like Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin NúÑez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be watching from afar. Jurgen Klopp’s farewell season couldn’t propel them back to the Club World Cup.
4. Tottenham Hotspur – €766 Million
Spurs’ absence comes as less of a surprise considering their spotty record in Europe. Still, their squad features high-value assets like Heung-Min Son, James Maddison, and the highly-rated Cristian Romero. Under Ange Postecoglou, they’ve been exciting-but not consistent enough to merit a global stage.
5. Newcastle United – €651 Million
The Saudi-backed resurgence at St. James’ Park has made Newcastle one of the most valuable teams globally. With players like Bruno GuimarÃes, Alexander Isak, and Sven Botman, they represent the future of English football. But that future will have to wait for another Club World Cup cycle.
6. Manchester United – €643 Million
Erik ten Hag’s turbulent reign continues to deliver mixed results. Despite having elite individuals like Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, and Lisandro MartÍnez, United’s European underperformance means they fail to make the cut. For a club of its global standing, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.
7. Aston Villa – €592 Million
Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa have defied expectations. With stars like Ollie Watkins, Douglas Luiz, and Moussa Diaby, they’ve become a force in the Premier League and in Europe. But like many on this list, timing has worked against them in the qualification criteria.
8. Bayer Leverkusen – €567 Million
The newly crowned Bundesliga champions under Xabi Alonso shocked Europe with their unbeaten domestic campaign. Players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Victor Boniface have emerged as breakout stars. However, UEFA’s qualification mechanics did not reward their recent rise.
9. Brighton & Hove Albion – €556 Million
Brighton’s valuation is a testament to smart recruitment. Stars like Kaoru Mitoma, Evan Ferguson, and Pervis EstupiÑán have lit up the Premier League. But despite their progress under De Zerbi, Brighton simply didn’t have the European pedigree to secure a spot in this global showcase.
10. Sporting CP – €511 Million
Portuguese giants Sporting CP round out the list. With standout players like GonÇalo Inácio, Viktor Gyökeres, and Pedro GonÇalves, they continue to produce elite-level talent. Still, in a competitive European field, they fall just short of the Club World Cup cutoff.