FIFA Club World Cup Final | Sunday, July 13, 2025 | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Kick-off: 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST / 9 p.m. CEST
Paris Saint-Germain arrive as overwhelming favourites after a dominant run that included a 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semi-final. Their blend of relentless pressing, fluid wide play and ruthless finishing has swept aside every opponent to date. Chelsea, by contrast, have grown into the tournament under Enzo Maresca’s disciplined structure. A 2-0 semi-final win over Fluminense showcased their defensive resilience and the instant impact of new signing João Pedro, but they’ve yet to face a frontline as potent as PSG’s.
Team Previews
Chelsea FC
- Qualified for the final via victories over Benfica, Palmeiras and Fluminense.
- Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues have combined a mid-block defensive shape with rapid transitions, often springing João Pedro’s runs behind the defence.
- Key midfielders Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández shield the back four, while Cole Palmer provides creative spark.
Paris Saint-Germain
- European champions riding a six-trophy quest that already includes Ligue 1, Champions League and domestic cups.
- Luis Enrique’s men have conceded just once in six games, scoring 16 goals in the process.
- A high-intensity press forces turnovers, full-backs like Achraf Hakimi invert into midfield, and a front three of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué punishes every mistake.
Key Players to Watch
Chelsea
- João Pedro: Two goals on full debut and constant threat in behind.
- Cole Palmer: Links midfield to attack with vision and dribbling flair.
- Moisés Caicedo: Anchors the central midfield, crucial in breaking up PSG transitions.
PSG
- Ousmane Dembélé: Full-throttle winger whose pressing created two goals against Real Madrid.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: Georgia’s top scorer with 18 international goals, thrives in half-spaces.
- Fabian Ruiz: Scored twice versus Real and dictates PSG’s tempo from midfield.
Possible Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
• GK: Robert Sánchez
• RB: Malo Gusto • CB: Trevoh Chalobah • CB: Levi Colwill • LB: Marc Cucurella
• DM: Moisés Caicedo • DM: Enzo Fernández
• RW: Pedro Neto • CAM: Cole Palmer • LW: Christopher Nkunku
• ST: João Pedro
PSG (4-3-3)
• GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma
• RB: Achraf Hakimi • CB: Marquinhos • CB: Lucas Beraldo • LB: Nuno Mendes
• CM: Vitinha • CM: João Neves • CM: Fabian Ruiz
• RW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia • ST: Désiré Doué • LW: Ousmane Dembélé
Tactical Battle
• PSG’s high-press funnels play into wide channels where full-backs invert and combine. They’ll overload one side before a rapid switch exposes Chelsea’s mid-block.
• Chelsea aim to stay compact, absorb pressure with a two-man pivot, then break quickly through Palmer and João Pedro. Set-pieces and long throws could be key avenues against PSG’s high line.
• Spatial control in midfield will decide the game. If Caicedo and Fernández can disrupt PSG’s passing lanes, Chelsea might build sustained attacks.
Manager Insights
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea): “It is a great achievement—top four in the Premier League, Conference League winners and now in a World Cup final. We’re so happy and we go game by game. Finally we have the last match of the season and hopefully we can win the tournament.”
Luis Enrique (PSG): “We are in a special season, a special moment, and we have one more step against a very good team like Chelsea. Now it’s time to prepare. We want to make history for our club.”
Prediction
Paris Saint-Germain’s relentless form and tactical fluency give them the edge, but Chelsea’s resilience and counter-attacking threat mean they’ll find the net.
Predicted scoreline: PSG 2 – 1 Chelsea
With key duels across the pitch—especially in midfield and on the flanks—this final promises high intensity and moments of individual brilliance.
