Why Al Nassr will not compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Al Hilal secures Saudi Arabia’s sole spot
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be the first to feature a 32-team format, showcasing clubs from six continental confederations: UEFA, CONMEBOL, AFC, CAF, Concacaf, and OFC. However, Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr will not be among the participants. Only one team from the Saudi Pro League earned a place in the tournament, and that spot was secured by Al Hilal.

Al Hilal qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the AFC Champions League in 2021. Two other AFC clubs, Urawa Red Diamonds (2022 winners) and Al Ain (2023 winners), also earned places in the tournament. Al Nassr, by contrast, did not capture an AFC Champions League title during the relevant qualification window. In fact, Al Nassr’s campaign was ended by Al Hilal in the 2021 semifinals.


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Despite the presence of global star Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022, the team failed to win the continental championship or claim the Saudi Pro League title in recent seasons. Their absence from the Club World Cup reflects the competitive nature of the qualification process and underscores the club’s struggle to convert star power into silverware.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain
Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival generated international attention for Al Nassr, but the club’s performances in major tournaments have not matched the expectations set by his high-profile signing. Al Nassr has not topped the Saudi Pro League standings, nor have they advanced past the AFC Champions League stages to qualify for the Club World Cup.

With the 2025 tournament set to be hosted in the United States, speculation around Ronaldo’s future has intensified. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has not renewed his contract with Al Nassr, prompting discussions about a possible transfer to a club that has already qualified for the Club World Cup. If Ronaldo wishes to participate in the tournament, a move would be necessary before the competition begins.

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Should Ronaldo remain with Al Nassr, he will not feature in this summer’s Club World Cup. As of now, Al Hilal stands as Saudi Arabia’s sole representative, carrying the flag for the Saudi Pro League on the global stage.