Arsenal miss out on Club World Cup spot after bowing out of Champions League

Arsenal have failed to qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after bowing out of the Champions League following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich.

Mikel Arteta's side faced heartbreak in Germany after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Bundesliga side Bayern, ending their hopes of European success. Their departure from the tournament also means they fail to qualify for the Club World Cup in the United States.

Teams can qualify in one of two ways: by having won the Champions League since 2021, or via a ranking system of their performances in the tournament over four seasons.

Only two teams per country can qualify, unless a nation has three different UCL winners in the last four years. Therefore, Arsenal needed to win this year's competition to join 2021 winners Chelsea and reigning champions Manchester City.

Their exit does, however, open up a spot for Red Bull Salzburg, who have played 26 Champions League games over the last four seasons.

Arsenal came close to European success in Germany, holding on to a 0-0 scoreline until a single goal in the 63rd minute from Joshua Kimmich secured Bayern a place in the semi-final.

The Bundesliga side will now face Real Madrid, who knocked out Pep Guardiola's City at the Etihad on Wednesday evening.

The Gunners will be forced to set their sights on Premier League silverware as they fight to keep City from retaining their league title. Arsenal currently sit in second place, level on points with Liverpool but with a significant advantage in goal difference.

Arteta's side return to action on Saturday when they travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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