FIFA's calculations

Having to play at midday, being limited in the number of teams per country, facing immense pressure from the stands… European teams will face numerous difficulties at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

European teams like Chelsea (right) face numerous disadvantages in the FIFA Club World Cup - Photo: REUTERS

Of course, all difficulties are objective, but it feels like everything is against the European teams on American soil this summer.

Difficulties abound.

Chelsea's 1-3 defeat to Flamengo is somewhat understandable, given that the English giants were completely outmatched. In the stands, Flamengo turned Lincoln Financial Field into their home ground with nearly 50,000 fans (90%) in attendance. On the pitch, Chelsea players had to endure the scorching sun as the match started at 2 PM – a time rarely seen in Europe.

What's difficult for one team is difficult for another, but in this case, the European teams are certainly at a disadvantage. After all, a Brazilian team like Flamengo is more familiar with such weather conditions. The vibrant melodies of samba and tango are always associated with the bright summer sunshine.

The playing conditions weren't the only disadvantage for European teams. UEFA entered a competition where they were at a disadvantage from the start. Fans must wonder why Barcelona and Liverpool weren't included, while Salzburg and Porto were instead... The answer is because the rule stipulates that each country can only have a maximum of two clubs participating.

The 12 European teams with the highest points according to the continental points coefficient will qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. Both Liverpool and Barcelona were in this top 12. However, two English teams, Manchester City and Chelsea, were ahead of Liverpool, so they were eliminated. Similarly, Barcelona were eliminated after finishing below Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

But why are there four Brazilian teams? Because FIFA added another rule. That is, the continental champions in the last four years automatically qualify, even if they finished below two other teams from their own country. In Brazil's case, their four clubs – Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo – have won the Copa Libertadores in the last four years, and all four are automatically included without any restrictions.

If Liverpool had also won the Champions League once in the last four years, they would have become the third English representative in the tournament. This rule might sound fair to all footballing nations, but it's actually not. It's important to note that the Copa Libertadores has for many years been a competition between only two footballing nations: Brazil and Argentina. If no Brazilian team wins, the title will undoubtedly belong to Argentina.

In Europe, things are quite different. England, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France are all fairly evenly matched when competing on the continental stage. Having a footballing nation with three Champions League winners in four consecutive years is unrealistic.

Thus, with its seemingly fair regulations, FIFA has created the first injustice in the FIFA Club World Cup, allowing representatives from Brazil and Argentina to secure more qualifying spots than powerful European football nations.

Chelsea (in white shirts) during a match at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 - Photo: REUTERS

The World Cup is the ultimate goal.

Next, we have to consider what the fans are witnessing. FIFA has created a playing environment that is completely unsuitable for top-level football. When matches are played under such unusual conditions, the improvisational spirit of South America is further amplified.

Of course, overall, the barriers erected for European football are making the tournament more interesting. The overwhelming victories of Bayern Munich and Juventus against Asian representatives seriously shook FIFA's promise of a dramatic World Cup. But then the South American representatives salvaged the element of surprise in the FIFA Club World Cup. Clearly, football is called the king of sports because of its drama and unpredictability.

Does FIFA have a longer-term vision for creating excitement in the tournament? Possibly. The FIFA Club World Cup is seen as a warm-up tournament for the World Cup next year, also held in the US. Inter Miami's Messi transfer was the first boost, and the FIFA Club World Cup could be seen as the second boost to help American football make significant progress and close the gap with Europe.

The governing body of world football sets a four-year cycle for all financial activities, culminating in the World Cup. And as football becomes increasingly commercialized, it's understandable that FIFA goes to great lengths to boost its brand value and create strong impetus for its financial cycle.

The South American teams are safe.

As of the end of the second round of matches, the South American teams have a great chance of securing six spots (four from Brazil, two from Argentina) for the Round of 16. Flamengo is currently the first team to qualify, while Palmeiras (first in Group A), Botafogo (first in Group B), and Fluminense (first in Group D) also hold significant advantages.

The two Argentinian representatives face more difficulties, but River Plate currently sits comfortably at the top of Group E with 4 points. Boca Juniors have the narrowest chance with only 2 points in Group C, but they only have to face semi-professional team Auckland City in the final round.

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HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/toan-tinh-cua-fifa-20250623000122976.htm