Real Madrid will not play 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, says Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League winners, announced the club’s refusal to participate in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. In an interview with Il Giornale, Ancelotti cited concerns surrounding the revamped tournament format.

“FIFA forget players and clubs will not participate in that tournament. A single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the whole cup. Negative. Like us, other clubs will reject the invitation,” said Ancelotti in the interview.

FIFA has proposed a significant overhaul of the Club World Cup, expanding the competition to 32 teams and scheduling it for the summer of 2025. Details regarding television rights and prize money remain under negotiation.

Real Madrid has confirmed participation in the 2024 edition, which retains the traditional format featuring the champions of each continent. Here, they will face Pachuca (CONCACAF), Al-Ain (AFC), Al-Ahly (CAF), Auckland City (OFC), and the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores.