CLUB WORLD CUP
Real Madrid accept 2025 Club World Cup invitation: “It was never in question…”
The European champions announced that the club has no intention of not attending the 2025 FIFA Club Super World Cup in the United States, which is an official competition.
Real Madrid has refuted claims that it will not participate in the 2025 Club World Cup, the first edition of the expanded, new tournament which will see the number of teams taking part rise from seven to 32.
Real Madrid qualify as one of the Champions League winners from the last three years, (along with Chelsea and Manchester City) but would have entered regardless of the outcome of the recent triumph over Borussia Dortmund as the third-placed club in UEFA’s club coefficents ranking. The Spanish giants have lifted the trophy five times since it was rebranded in 2005 - more than any other club.
Real Madrid eyeing sixth Club World Cup title
However, in an interview with Carlo Ancelotti published by Il Giornale today, it was suggested that Madrid might forego the tournament. Several clubs have renounced the competition in the past - at least its predecessor, the Intercontinental Cup. There are many reasons why a club might decide not to take part - usually because it interferes or clashes with a prearranged schedule.
On the back of Ancelotti’s comments, Real Madrid issued a statement to confirm that at no time had they questioned their participation in this official tournament:
“Real Madrid C. F. would like to announce that at no time has there been any question regarding our participation in the new Club World Cup to be organised by FIFA in the coming 2024/2025 season. Our club will therefore take part, as planned, in this official competition and we are proud and excited to be involved in it and we will once again inspire our millions of fans all over the world with another trophy.”
The recently-crowned European champions are one of 12 UEFA association members to have qualified for the next edition of the tournament which includes the the winners of the last four editions of the Champions League. Just four vacant places remain to be filled.
The 2025 Club World Cup will feature a group stage instead of the traditional knockout round with the top two teams in each of the eight groups advancing to the Round of 16. The tournament will last almost a month from start to finish although the top seeded teams will enter after the preliminary rounds. It will take place from 15 June to 13 July 2025.