Why Liverpool are unable to take part in the Club World Cup despite initially qualifying

their Champions League triumph in 2018/19 when the tournament was originally planned to take place in China in 2021.

However, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Liverpool missed out when the competition was rescheduled four years later.

UEFA has 12 teams competing in the 32-club event, including the three previous Champions League winners and the highest-ranked teams based on club coefficients.

However, a rule limiting each nation to only two entries—except when more than two clubs win their confederation’s top competition—meant Liverpool missed out.

With Chelsea and Manchester City claiming Champions League titles in 2020/21 and 2022/23 respectively, Liverpool were left out and became the highest-ranked side in UEFA’s standings not to feature in the Club World Cup.

This absence might not be entirely negative. While their domestic and European rivals are playing through the summer, Arne Slot’s squad will have a full break.

England manager Thomas Tuchel believes this could benefit Liverpool in their Premier League title challenge, with further advantages heading into next season’s Champions League.

Although the Reds won’t be competing in the United States, several familiar faces from Anfield will be present at the tournament.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid last month, is one of the most notable names.

The England international was released from the final month of his Liverpool contract to participate in the Club World Cup, with the Reds receiving a financial boost from the transfer. He is set to make his Real Madrid debut against Al-Hilal.

Luis Suarez will be leading the attack for Inter Miami after joining the MLS club, following Lionel Messi’s arrival. Since signing in the summer of 2023, the former Liverpool striker has recorded 33 goals in 58 appearances.

Former Liverpool youngster Ryan Kent—who made just one appearance for the Reds—will represent Seattle Sounders after joining the club on a free transfer in March following the cancellation of his Fenerbahce contract last October.

Midfielder Allan, who never made an appearance for Liverpool due to work permit issues, is now playing for Flamengo after a permanent return to Brazil with Atletico Mineiro in 2020.

Marcelo Pitaluga, another former Liverpool player, is part of Fluminense’s squad for the tournament after rejoining the club in January.

The 22-year-old has yet to make a competitive appearance but has been included as one of four goalkeepers traveling to the United States.

Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso will manage Real Madrid for the first time in the Club World Cup, having taken over from Carlo Ancelotti following a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen.

He could potentially face his former Reds teammate Javier Mascherano, who is now leading Inter Miami after taking charge last November following stints managing Argentina’s youth teams.

However, a meeting between their sides will not be possible until at least the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Emre Can will miss the tournament due to injury, with the Borussia Dortmund captain still struggling with adductor problems.

Marko Grujic is also unavailable for FC Porto after missing most of the season due to a heel injury.

Bobby Clark was omitted from Red Bull Salzburg’s squad after falling out of favor following Pep Lijnders’ departure.

Raheem Sterling remains surplus to requirements at Chelsea and was left out of their squad after returning from a loan spell at Arsenal.

Even without Liverpool’s presence, plenty of familiar faces will be competing in the tournament, offering Reds supporters some familiar names to follow this summer.