In a stunning turn of events, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially released the lineup of clubs set to participate in the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup — and it features only one team from England.
But what has truly sent shockwaves through the football world is the identity of that team: not Manchester City, not Liverpool, not even Arsenal or Manchester United — but Aston Villa.
This announcement has sparked widespread disbelief and debate, with many struggling to process how some of the Premier League’s biggest names were overlooked in favor of a club once seen as a sleeping giant.
Yet for those who have closely followed English football’s recent evolution, Villa’s rise is no fluke. Their transformation under manager Unai Emery has been nothing short of remarkable.
The 2029 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup will be held in the United States and will feature a new 32-team format. This restructured tournament moves away from the old model of just continental champions and instead includes clubs that have shown excellence over a sustained four-year period.
FIFA’s new selection criteria emphasize consistent league finishes, success in continental competitions, and strong coefficient rankings — rather than brand reputation or short bursts of glory.
Aston Villa’s qualification is the result of strategic long-term planning and performance. After lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy in 2026 and reaching the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League in 2028, Villa accumulated enough ranking points to secure their place among the world’s elite.
Their rise is being viewed as a case study in modern club management: sustainable investment, tactical evolution, and a clear footballing identity.
According to one UEFA source, “Villa represent the future of smart football. They’ve grown methodically and now they’re reaping the rewards.”
On the other hand, the absence of more traditional powerhouses like Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal has raised eyebrows. Manchester City, despite domestic success, reportedly fell short due to underwhelming Champions League performances and penalties tied to financial issues and disciplinary concerns.
Liverpool’s decline in form after 2026 saw them miss out on European qualification for consecutive seasons. Arsenal’s resurgence wasn’t enough either, as they lacked major European honors during the qualifying cycle. And Manchester United, despite significant investment and a strong squad, were ultimately undone by inconsistency on the European stage.
“This is a message from FIFA,” noted a former Premier League star. “History won’t carry you anymore. You need to earn your spot.”
The full list of qualified clubs includes heavyweights such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Flamengo, Al Ahly, Urawa Red Diamonds, CF Monterrey, and Mamelodi Sundowns, highlighting the tournament’s truly global scope.
Online reactions have been passionate and mixed. Some fans praised Villa’s achievement, while others mocked the absence of English giants. Villa supporters, however, are relishing the moment. “We’ve always been a big club — the world’s just catching up,” said one jubilant fan.
Beyond the excitement, Villa’s inclusion is expected to bring major commercial benefits and global visibility, as well as establish them as serious European contenders. For the Premier League, this could mark the beginning of a broader shake-up, where results and planning outweigh name recognition.
As FIFA ushers in a new era of merit-based qualification, Aston Villa stands as a shining example — the lone English representative on the biggest club stage of all.
