Arsenal suffered a double setback on Wednesday night, as their defeat to Bayern Munich not only eliminated them from the Champions League but also dashed their hopes of participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Mikel Arteta's side headed to the Allianz Arena for their second-leg tie against the Bavarians following a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium last week.
However, Joshua Kimmich's 63rd-minute header proved decisive, securing Bayern's place in the semi-finals of Europe's premier competition.
Despite their efforts, the Gunners were unable to breach Manuel Neuer's goal on the night. This setback came shortly after their Premier League title hopes were dealt a blow, having suffered defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.
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RB Salzburg qualify for Club World Cup at the expense of Arsenal
Arsenal's loss in Bavaria resulted in Red Bull Salzburg securing the final European spot in the Club World Cup competition, which is scheduled to take place in the USA during the summer of 2025.
The inclusion of the Austrian side may come as a surprise, but according to FIFA regulations, nations are allowed only two entries unless a country has multiple continental champions. As a result, Salzburg qualifies for the competition despite being ranked below Liverpool, Barcelona and AC Milan.
Europe received 12 spots for the expanded format of the competition which will be played in June and July next year, and the event will feature a total of 32 teams representing six confederations.
The Gunners would have needed to win this season's Champions League to secure a guaranteed spot in the competition in the US.
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Messi and Ronaldo set to miss 2025 Club World Cup
Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, AC Milan, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr will join Arsenal in missing out on the competition next year.
The winners of the Champions League from 2021, 2022 and 2023 have secured their spots, with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City among the first teams confirmed.
Additionally, strong performances in recent Champions League seasons and the current campaign have earned Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus qualification. Atletico Madrid secured their place in the competition due to Barcelona's elimination from this year's tournament.
Brazil's Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fluminense earned qualification as Copa Libertadores winners since 2021. Argentina's River Plate and Boca Juniors are also likely to qualify as high-ranked teams within South America's allocation of six entries.
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In addition to Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds, Asia will be represented by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the tournament. CONCACAF will send the Seattle Sounders, Club Leon and Liga MX outfit Monterrey.
Africa's representatives will include Al Ahly from Egypt and Wydad AC from Morocco. Auckland City will represent Oceania, while nine more teams from various regions have yet to qualify for the tournament.
The Gunners will resume Premier League duty this weekend when they travel to the Molineux Stadium to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening.
Devesh Jaganath
