FIFA’s ambitious new 32-team Club World Cup, set to debut this weekend in the United States, boasts a staggering $1 billion prize pool but the absence of several global football icons has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a landmark event in the club football calendar.
Despite the financial fireworks, the tournament will be missing some of the sport’s biggest stars due to the complicated qualification format.
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AFP Sport highlights five high-profile players who will not be gracing American stadiums this summer:
1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
The Egyptian forward delivered a stellar individual campaign—breaking the Premier League record for goal involvements with 29 goals and 18 assists—but Liverpool failed to qualify for the tournament due to the convoluted selection process that factors in performances from previous seasons.
With Liverpool absent, Salah, along with teammates Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, will watch from the sidelines. After a demanding season that saw his form dip late on, Salah appears to be enjoying the summer off, recently posting a photo sunbathing by the beach.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Arguably the breakout star of world football this season, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal dazzled fans with his explosive pace, audacious dribbling, and creative flair for Barcelona. The Spanish winger, already being compared to Lionel Messi, was tipped to be a headline act.
But with Barcelona failing to qualify, fans will miss out on a potential Messi–Yamal face-off, with the Argentine legend set to appear for Inter Miami. Other notable Barça absentees include Pedri, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
A tournament featuring Messi but not Cristiano Ronaldo feels incomplete for many. The 40-year-old Portuguese legend, now with Al Nassr, had reportedly explored a move to a participating club. FIFA President Gianni Infantino even hinted that “discussions” were ongoing to include him.
However, Ronaldo confirmed his intent to stay in Saudi Arabia:
“Some teams reached out… but you can’t catch every ball,” he said, reflecting on his decision.
Despite winning the Nations League with Portugal just days ago, Ronaldo will not feature in the tournament.
4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Arsenal, semi-finalists in the 2025 UEFA Champions League, surprisingly miss out on this Club World Cup. For Bukayo Saka, the tournament represented a chance to win another major title, having only the 2020 FA Cup to his name.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s young side continues to improve, and while they knocked out Real Madrid in Europe, they finished the season empty-handed. Missing out on both the silverware and the potential prize money is a blow for the Gunners.
5. Neymar Jr. (Santos)
After an injury-ravaged stint at Al-Hilal, Neymar returned to Santos in January 2025 to rebuild fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Still one of football’s most commercially viable stars, the 33-year-old Brazilian is missing due to his club’s absence from the event.
“Neymar… is in my top three, alongside Cristiano and Messi,” said Brazilian teammate Casemiro, underlining the star power fans will be denied.
While Lionel Messi and other elite names will feature, the absence of these five players strips the Club World Cup of some of its global shine. Organisers will hope that emerging talents and fierce competition make up for the missing marquee names—as football enters a new era of global club competition.
