FIFA's calculations

Having to compete at noon, being limited in the number of teams from each country, facing great pressure from the stands..., European football teams face countless difficulties at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

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

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

Difficulty in every way

Chelsea were understandably left out of the equation when they lost 3-1 to Flamengo in a match where the English giants suffered a complete loss. In the stands, Flamengo turned Lincoln Financial Field into their home stadium with nearly 50,000 spectators (90%) belonging to them. Down on the pitch, Chelsea players had to endure the scorching sun as the match kicked off at 2pm. No other football match in Europe takes place at such a time.

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

The competition conditions are not the only disadvantage for European teams. UEFA is participating in a game where they are at a disadvantage from the start. Fans must be wondering why Barca, why Liverpool are not participating, instead Salzburg, Porto... The answer is because of the rule that each country can only have a maximum of 2 clubs participating.

The 12 European teams with the highest points according to the continental coefficient will qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. Both Liverpool and Barca are in the top 12. But above Liverpool are two English representatives, Man City and Chelsea, so they are eliminated. The same is true for Barca, who are ranked below Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

But why are there 4 Brazilian teams? Because FIFA has added another rule. That is, the continental champions in the last 4 years will automatically get a ticket, even if they are ranked below 2 other teams in their country. For Brazil, their 4 clubs Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo have won the Copa Libertadores in the last 4 years, and are automatically present in all 4 without any restrictions.

If Liverpool also won the Champions League once in the last 4 years, they would also become the 3rd representative of England to participate in the tournament. This rule seems fair for all football, but in fact it is not. It is important to know that Copa Libertadores has been a game for only 2 football countries Brazil and Argentina for many years. If no Brazilian team wins, the king will definitely belong to Argentina.

In Europe, things are different. England, Germany, Spain, Italy and France are all pretty evenly matched when it comes to continental competition. The idea of ​​a footballing nation having three Champions League winners in four years is unrealistic.

Thus, with its seemingly fair rules, FIFA has created the first injustice in the FIFA Club World Cup when representatives of Brazil and Argentina can win more tickets than the powerful football nations in Europe.

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

World Cup is the destination

Then there is what the fans are witnessing. FIFA has created a competitive environment that is not at all suited to the top level of football. When matches are played under such strange conditions, the South American spontaneity is all the more powerful.

Of course, the barriers that have been put in place for European football have made the tournament more interesting overall. The overwhelming victories of Bayern Munich and Juventus over Asian teams have seriously shaken FIFA's promise of a dramatic World Cup. But then the South American teams have saved the surprise of the FIFA Club World Cup. Obviously, football is called the king of sports because of that drama and unpredictability.

Does FIFA have a longer-term view in creating drama for the tournament? Maybe. The FIFA Club World Cup is seen as a warm-up tournament for next year's World Cup, also taking place in the US. The transfer of Messi to Inter Miami was the first boost, and the FIFA Club World Cup can be seen as the second boost to help American football take a big step forward, narrowing the gap with Europe.

The world football governing body sets a four-year cycle for all financial activities, with the end point being the World Cup. And as football becomes increasingly commercialized, it is understandable that FIFA would do everything possible to boost its brand value and create strong boosts for its financial cycle.

South American teams are safe

As of the end of the second round of matches, the South American teams have a great chance of preserving their six teams (4 Brazil, 2 Argentina) for the round of 16. Flamengo is currently the first team to qualify, while Palmeiras (Group A winner), Botafogo (Group B winner) and Fluminense (Group D winner) also have a lot of advantages.

The two Argentine representatives have had it tougher, but River Plate are still comfortably at the top of Group E with four points. Boca Juniors have the narrowest chance with just two points in Group C, but they only have to face semi-professional side Auckland City in the final round.

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HUY DANG

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