PSG aim for Club World Cup glory

Just weeks after winning the Champions League for the first time in its history, Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) eyes are now fixed on FIFA's shiny new Club World Cup.

The newly crowned European champions can add the world title to a trophy haul that also included a French league and cup double this season.

"We want to finish the season in style with the cherry on the cake," coach Luis Enrique said.

PSG had already qualified for the rebooted Club World Cup in the United States, but their Champions League triumph might still have come as a relief to FIFA.

That's because, while the winners of the bumper tournament will officially be crowned the best club soccer team in the world, there are some notable absentees from the 32-team roster.

BIG NAMES MISSING

The Club World Cup will be without the champions of the most popular league in the world -- the English Premier League -- given Liverpool's failure to meet the qualifying criteria.

The same goes for Barcelona and Napoli, champions of Spain and Italy, respectively.

No place either for current Asian champions Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia or Pyramids -- the African champions from Egypt.

FIFA likely breathed a sigh of relief then when PSG and Inter Milan advanced to the final of the Champions League, with both teams having already secured their place at the Club World Cup via ranking points for recent runs in Europe's top club competition. Had either of the losing semi-finalists -- Barcelona or Arsenal -- gone on to lift the trophy, then the flagship new tournament would have been without the reigning champions of Europe as well.

The qualifying criteria were based on winners of continental trophies in the four years prior to the tournament, but not including the season directly before it.

That's why Chelsea -- Champions League winners in 2021 -- have a seat at the table despite finishing fourth in the English Premier League last month. Chelsea are arriving at the Club World Cup with a new team, coach and even owners since they won the Champions League four years ago.

The club is one of 12 from Europe, including stellar names like Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Inter and Juventus.

EUROPE'S TOP RIVALS

Some of Latin America's biggest teams are in the tournament -- including reigning Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo from Brazil. Three other Brazilian teams have qualified: Palmeiras, Flamengo and Fluminense.

Argentina's famous rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors will also be there -- and are expected to be backed by thousands of fans traveling to the United States.

It is the Latin American contingent that likely will likely present the biggest challenge to the European teams.

Details on ticket sales have not been released, but prices have dropped as the tournament has drawn closer and seats for the opening game between Al Ahly and Inter Miami on Saturday were still available this week.

- AP