FIFA Grants Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Alternative Path to Club World Cup 2025 if AFC Champions League Victory Dream Fails

As it stands, even a defeat in the AFC Champions League final could set up Al Nassr for a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Yes, you heard that right. The new Club World Cup format offers a huge boost to Cristiano Ronaldo & Co.’s chances of featuring in it. But despite this, there are certain indirect conditions to be satisfied if the Knights of Najd want to participate in the 2025 tournament, per FIFA.

Al Nassr faces Al-Ain next in the AFC Champions League quarterfinals. Other teams that have made it through to the knockouts include Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Ulsan, Jeonbuk, Shandong, and Yokohama.

Here’s how Al Nassr can sneak into the CWC, with Al Hilal and Urawa Reds already on the hot seat

The 2025 Club World Cup offers 4 slots to teams in the Asian Federation. However, two of the slots are already secured by Al Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds who won the 2021 and 2022 editions of the AFC Champions League respectively. Al Hilal’s qualification is a huge positive for Cristiano Ronaldo’s side. However, to feature in the CWC, they first need to defeat Al Ain in the quarters, and eventually move to the finals. Also, they need Ulsan to do them a favor and knock out Jeonbuk in their meeting.

Read More: “Cristiano (Ronaldo) Was Not Upset”- Ruben Neves Discloses Al Nassr Star’s Reaction to Al Hilal Move

Furthermore, FIFA officially stated that Al Hilal had to win the AFC Champions League, should Al Nassr need to go down this route. Any other side winning could cost Al Nassr its CWC spot. Lastly, CR7 and Co. should have more points than Ulsan. If these conditions are met, Al Nassr will be the 3rd side from AFC to participate in the Club World Cup. The 4th participant is the best eligible team in the AFC 4-year ranking.

Although it is a viable possibility, the Knights of Najd will have to depend on other teams. A more straightforward solution will be winning the AFC Champions League directly and the players are confident of their chances.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate reveals the ‘goal’ at Al Nassr

Following Al Nassr’s victory over Al Fayha in the RO16, Cristiano Ronaldo made a bold prophecy. The Portuguese attacker said, “We have 5 months ahead of us, full of matches, and it will be difficult because there are decisive matches, but we will be able to achieve what we want.” Backing the captain’s claim was left-back Aziz Behich. The defender added, “Our goal at Al Nassr is to achieve the AFC Champions League title.”

Al Nassr has been in impressive form in the tournament and is undefeated. However, the reality is that they have yet to win the AFC Champions League in their history. With Cristiano Ronaldo in fine form, the expectations are positive. Hence, even one of the most intelligent soccer minds, Xavi labels them as favorites to go all the way.

Can Al Nassr secure qualification to the FIFA CWC? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: Xavi Reveals Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Might Win the Asian Champions League This Season