Chelsea vs PSG: Club World Cup Clash Preview 2025

• Details
• Statistics
• Lineup

FIFA Club World Cup

Chelsea

2025-07-13 19:00 UTC

3 - 0

MetLife Stadium

Paris Saint Germain

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Chelsea	Statistic	Paris Saint Germain
5	Shots on Goal	6
4	Shots off Goal	1
10	Total Shots	8
1	Blocked Shots	1
8	Shots insidebox	5
2	Shots outsidebox	3
15	Fouls	11
3	Corner Kicks	5
3	Offsides	2
33	Ball Possession	67
4	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	1
6	Goalkeeper Saves	2
296	Total passes	593
241	Passes accurate	538
81	Passes %	91
0	expected_goals	0
0	goals_prevented	0

4-2-3-1

Lineup

4-3-3

1

Robert Sánchez

27

Malo Gusto

23

Trevoh Chalobah

6

Levi Colwill

3

Marc Cucurella

24

Reece James

25

Moisés Caicedo

10

Cole Palmer

8

Enzo Fernández

7

Pedro Neto

20

João Pedro

1

Gianluigi Donnarumma

2

Achraf Hakimi

5

Marquinhos

4

Lucas Beraldo

25

Nuno Mendes

87

João Neves

17

Vitinha

8

Fabián Ruiz

14

Désiré Doué

10

Ousmane Dembélé

7

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Chelsea

Substitutes

Paris Saint Germain

• 17 Andrey Santos ()
• 9 Liam Delap ()
• 22 Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ()
• 18 Christopher Nkunku ()
• 44 Gabriel Słonina ()
• 39 Mike Penders ()
• 12 Filip Jørgensen ()
• 34 Josh Acheampong ()
• 4 Tosin Adarabioyo ()
• 30 Aaron Anselmino ()
• 19 Mamadou Sarr ()
• 45 Roméo Lavia ()
• 32 Tyrique George ()
• 15 Nicolas Jackson ()
• 38 Marc Guiu ()

Coach: 0

• 29 Bradley Barcola ()
• 33 Warren Zaïre-Emery ()
• 24 Senny Mayulu ()
• 9 Gonçalo Ramos ()
• 80 Arnau Tenas ()
• 39 Matvey Safonov ()
• 3 Presnel Kimpembe ()
• 43 Noham Kamara ()
• 20 Gabriel Moscardo ()
• 19 Kang-in Lee ()
• 49 Ibrahim Mbaye ()

Coach: 0

The world of club football is set to crown its undisputed champion as the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup reaches its dramatic conclusion. After a month of grueling competition across the United States, two European powerhouses have emerged from the pack to contest the ultimate prize. In a final that promises tactical intrigue, individual brilliance, and high drama, Enzo Maresca’s resilient Chelsea will face Luis Enrique’s formidable Paris Saint-Germain. This is more than just a final; it is a legacy-defining moment. The Chelsea vs PSG showdown at MetLife Stadium is not merely a battle for a trophy but for the title of the first-ever champion of this new global era.

For Chelsea, this represents an opportunity to become England’s most successful club in the competition’s history and to cap a rollercoaster season with the most prestigious prize in club football. Their journey has been one of perseverance, overcoming tough challenges from South American giants to prove their mettle on the world stage. For Paris Saint-Germain, this final is the culmination of a transformative season. Having already conquered Europe, they now seek to establish their global supremacy in a post-Kylian Mbappé era, with a team built on collective strength and tactical sophistication. With a staggering financial prize on the line and the weight of history on their shoulders, this final is set to be an unforgettable spectacle.  

Match Kick-Off Time and Global Broadcast Guide: When and How to Watch Chelsea vs PSG

For football fans around the globe, witnessing this historic final is a priority. Below is all the essential information on the match schedule and how to tune in from anywhere in the world.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain will take place on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The prestigious event will be held at the  

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a venue with a capacity of 82,500 that is also slated to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, underscoring its status as a world-class arena.  

The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), which corresponds to various times globally, ensuring a massive worldwide audience can watch live.  

In a strategic move to maximize the global reach of its new flagship club tournament, FIFA entered into a landmark agreement with the sports streaming platform DAZN. This deal ensures that all 63 matches of the tournament, including the final, are streamed live and, crucially,  

free to view on DAZN across the globe. This approach signifies a deliberate strategy by FIFA to prioritize viewership and establish the Club World Cup’s brand on a global scale, mirroring the accessibility of the international World Cup. By removing the traditional paywall associated with top-tier football, FIFA is making a long-term investment in the tournament’s prestige, aiming to make it an unmissable event for every football fan on the planet.  

While DAZN is the primary global broadcaster, several sub-licensing agreements are in place to provide coverage on traditional television networks in various regions.

The Road to MetLife: A Tale of Two Contrasting Journeys

The paths taken by Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain to reach the pinnacle of club football could not be more different. One team was forged in the fire of gritty, hard-fought battles, while the other blazed a trail of overwhelming dominance. This contrast sets the stage for a classic final narrative: the resilient underdog against the seemingly invincible juggernaut.

Chelsea’s Path of Perseverance: Forged in Fire

Chelsea’s journey to the final has been a testament to their resilience and ability to win under pressure. Their campaign was far from straightforward, forcing them to dig deep against a variety of formidable opponents. The Blues finished second in Group D, a placement sealed by a humbling 3-1 defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo. Despite that setback, they secured their place in the knockout rounds with professional victories over Los Angeles FC (2-0) and Espérance de Tunis (3-0).  

The knockout stage demanded even more from Enzo Maresca’s side. In the Round of 16, they were pushed to their limits by Portuguese giants SL Benfica, ultimately prevailing 4-1 after a grueling period of extra time. The quarter-final presented another immense challenge in the form of CONMEBOL Libertadores champions Palmeiras. In a tense affair, Chelsea snatched a 2-1 victory thanks to a late, deflected goal, showcasing their knack for finding a way to win even when not at their fluent best.  

Their semi-final clash was layered with narrative, as they faced another Brazilian powerhouse, Fluminense, led by former Chelsea legend Thiago Silva. In what could have been an emotional stumbling block, Chelsea produced a controlled and decisive performance. New signing João Pedro, a product of Fluminense’s youth academy, scored a brilliant brace against his boyhood club to seal a 2-0 win and a place in the final, a storybook moment that encapsulated Chelsea’s hard-earned progress.  

PSG’s March of Supremacy: A Post-Mbappé Powerhouse

In stark contrast, Paris Saint-Germain’s road to New Jersey has been a terrifying display of power, precision, and tactical supremacy. After navigating a group stage that included a shock 1-0 loss to Botafogo, Luis Enrique’s team shifted into an untouchable gear. They announced their intent with massive group stage victories, including a 4-0 thrashing of Atlético Madrid.  

Once the knockout rounds began, PSG became an unstoppable force. They have not conceded a single goal in their three knockout matches, a statistic that underscores their complete dominance. Their campaign of destruction began with a 4-0 demolition of Inter Miami in the Round of 16, a match that was over as a contest by halftime. In the quarter-finals, they faced German champions Bayern Munich and dispatched them with a cool and efficient 2-0 victory.  

However, it was their semi-final performance that sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Facing a star-studded Real Madrid side featuring their former talisman Kylian Mbappé, PSG delivered a tactical masterclass. They dismantled the Spanish giants in a stunning 4-0 victory, with Fabián Ruiz scoring twice and the team controlling 76.5% of possession in a breathtaking first half. The match served as a powerful statement: this PSG team is no longer defined by one individual but by a collective system that is perhaps more formidable than ever. They did not just beat their European peers; they embarrassed them.  

Chelsea vs PSG Team News: The Decisive Injury Doubts and Key Returns

The tactical balance of this final could be decided before a ball is even kicked, with both teams facing critical questions regarding player availability. For Chelsea, a major injury concern hangs over their most important midfielder, while PSG are set to be boosted by the return of key defensive figures.

Chelsea’s Midfield Crisis: The Race to Get Moisés Caicedo Fit

Chelsea’s hopes of lifting the trophy may hinge on the fitness of one man: Moisés Caicedo. The Ecuadorian midfielder, who has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, suffered a twisted left ankle in the final moments of the semi-final victory over Fluminense. After receiving treatment, Caicedo attempted to play on but was quickly forced to hobble off, leaving his team to finish the match with ten men.  

Manager Enzo Maresca described the situation as hopeful, stating the player “felt pain” and that his availability for the final remains uncertain. Caicedo himself posted an optimistic message on social media—”See you on Sunday Blues”—but until he is officially named in the squad, his participation is the team’s biggest question mark.  

The potential absence of Caicedo, the team’s primary defensive shield, is a monumental concern. His role in breaking up play and protecting the backline is fundamental to Maresca’s system. The problem is severely compounded by injuries to his potential replacements. Dário Essugo, Caicedo’s most natural understudy, has been ruled out of the tournament with a muscle problem sustained in training, while Roméo Lavia has also been battling a minor injury that kept him out of the last two matches.  

On a more positive note, the Blues will be strengthened by the return of striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill, who are both available after serving suspensions. Captain Reece James also made a welcome return from the bench in the semi-final, adding another valuable option for Maresca.  

PSG at Full Strength and Reloaded

While Chelsea sweat over their midfield anchor, Paris Saint-Germain are expected to be at or near full strength. Luis Enrique will be boosted by the return of two crucial defensive players, Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, who both missed the semi-final demolition of Real Madrid due to suspension. Their availability provides PSG with a full complement of defensive options, a daunting prospect for any attack.  

Furthermore, the team’s undisputed star and Ballon d’Or favorite, Ousmane Dembélé, is fully fit and pushing for a start after being used as an impact substitute while recovering from a minor knock. His electrifying performance off the bench against Bayern Munich, where he scored a crucial goal, demonstrated his game-changing ability.  

Luis Enrique has managed his squad’s fitness expertly throughout a long and arduous season, and PSG arrive at the final with a remarkably clean bill of health. This state of readiness, compared to Chelsea’s precarious midfield situation, gives the French champions a significant advantage heading into the final.  

Predicted Lineups and Formations: How Maresca and Enrique Will Set Their Chess Pieces

The team news directly informs the tactical approaches we can expect. Enzo Maresca faces a significant selection dilemma, potentially forcing a pragmatic adaptation, while Luis Enrique is likely to stick with the purist philosophy that has brought his team so much success.

Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Lavia; Palmer, Neto, João Pedro; Delap.

This predicted lineup reflects the return of key players from suspension and the major uncertainty in midfield. Levi Colwill is expected to slot back into central defense, likely alongside Trevoh Chalobah, who has been solid throughout the tournament. Liam Delap’s availability after suspension gives Maresca the option to restore him as the starting striker. However, João Pedro’s sensational two-goal performance in the semi-final makes him almost undroppable, creating a fascinating selection headache for the manager. He could feature on the wing, with Pedro Neto on the opposite flank and Cole Palmer in his customary number 10 role.  

The most critical decision comes in central midfield. If Moisés Caicedo is unfit, Roméo Lavia is the most likely candidate to partner Enzo Fernández, though his own fitness is not guaranteed. At right-back, Malo Gusto may keep his place, though a fully fit Reece James would be a tempting option for a final. This setup reflects Maresca’s adaptable approach, aiming to maintain defensive structure while providing multiple goal threats from different areas, a philosophy he has espoused throughout the season.  

Paris Saint-Germain Predicted XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.

Luis Enrique is expected to deploy the 4-3-3 formation that has been the foundation of PSG’s dominant, possession-based style. The team is a blend of youthful dynamism and veteran leadership, with captain Marquinhos the only player in the likely starting XI over the age of 30. The return of Willian Pacho from suspension will see him partner Marquinhos in central defense, restoring their first-choice pairing.  

The midfield trio of João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz is the engine of the team and virtually “picks itself”. This unit’s ability to control tempo, rotate positions, and press relentlessly is central to PSG’s identity. In attack, Ousmane Dembélé is predicted to lead the line as a fluid, false-nine forward, a role in which he has excelled and which has made him the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. He will be flanked by the creative talents of Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with the aggressive, overlapping full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes providing additional width and firepower. This is a team built on a clear tactical philosophy, one that Enrique is unlikely to deviate from in the final.  

Tactical Deep Dive: 3 Key Battles That Will Crown the World Champion

Beyond the formations and personnel, this final will be decided by a series of critical on-field duels. The team that wins these individual and collective battles will likely be the one lifting the trophy.

1. The Engine Room War: Enzo & Caicedo vs. Vitinha & Ruiz

The heart of the battle will be fought in midfield. This is where the game will be won or lost. Chelsea’s engine room, ideally powered by the energy of Enzo Fernández and the peerless defensive instincts of Moisés Caicedo, is built to cover ground and disrupt opponents. However, they will face their sternest test against a PSG midfield that has been described as the classiest in world football. The trio of Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, and João Neves dictates games with what has been called “supreme ease”.  

The key contrast is between Chelsea’s physicality and PSG’s technicality. Vitinha’s ability to drive forward from deep and Ruiz’s all-action, box-to-box display in the semi-final, where he scored two goals, will put immense pressure on Chelsea’s defensive screen. If Caicedo is absent or even slightly below his best, Chelsea will struggle to contain the fluid rotations and rapid passing combinations that define PSG’s play. This battle will determine who controls the tempo and, ultimately, the match.  

2. The Flank Onslaught: Cucurella & Gusto vs. Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia & The Overlapping Full-Backs

Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking threat is dangerously multifaceted, particularly from the wide areas. While Ousmane Dembélé nominally starts centrally, he drifts across the entire forward line, creating overloads and exploiting space wherever he finds it. This movement, combined with the direct running of wingers like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the constant threat of overlapping full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, creates a tactical nightmare for opposing defenses.  

Chelsea’s full-backs will be under relentless pressure. Marc Cucurella, who has been a “player transformed” this season with his defensive tenacity, will need the performance of his life. On the opposite flank, whether it is Malo Gusto or a returning Reece James, the task will be to contain a two-pronged attack from a winger and a full-back. The key for Chelsea will be defensive discipline and communication to ensure they are not pulled apart by PSG’s intelligent movement. If they can nullify the threat from the flanks, they can frustrate the French champions.  

3. The Striker’s Stage: João Pedro’s Fairytale vs. Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or Campaign

This final presents a fascinating contrast between two very different types of forwards. For Chelsea, the story is the emergence of new signing João Pedro. His stunning brace against his former club Fluminense in the semi-final was a fairytale moment that has filled the team with confidence. He is a player in red-hot form, riding a wave of momentum.  

For PSG, the focal point is the established global superstar, Ousmane Dembélé. His reinvention as a central attacker has been a tactical masterstroke by Luis Enrique, and his performances have made him the clear favorite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or. He is not a traditional striker; his threat comes from his intelligent movement, explosive pace, and ability to create chances for himself and others. Chelsea’s central defenders, likely Trevoh Chalobah and the returning Levi Colwill, will have to be perfectly synchronized to track his elusive runs. This battle pits a striker on a hot streak against a player at the absolute peak of his powers.  

Head-to-Head Analysis: A Modern Rivalry Forged in the Champions League

While this is the first time Chelsea and PSG will meet in a Club World Cup final, the two clubs share a rich and dramatic history forged in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. Their encounters, though none since 2016, have been intense, closely contested, and have created a modern European rivalry that adds an extra layer of spice to this global showdown.

The overall competitive record between the two sides is remarkably even, underscoring how little there has been to separate them in high-stakes matches. Across eight meetings in the Champions League, PSG holds the narrowest of edges with three wins to Chelsea’s two, with three matches ending in a draw.  

The most recent history favors the Parisian club. PSG eliminated Chelsea from the Champions League in back-to-back seasons. In the 2014-15 campaign, they advanced on away goals after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge that saw them play much of the match with ten men. The following year, in 2015-16, PSG were more dominant, winning both legs of the Round of 16 tie 2-1.  

However, Chelsea fans will fondly remember their own dramatic triumph in the 2013-14 quarter-finals. After losing the first leg 3-1 in Paris, the Blues mounted a memorable comeback at Stamford Bridge, with a late Demba Ba goal securing a 2-0 victory and progression on the away goals rule. While the players and managers have almost entirely changed since these last encounters, the institutional memory of these epic European nights remains. This history provides a psychological backdrop to the final: for PSG, a chance to confirm their standing over a familiar rival on the world stage; for Chelsea, an opportunity for revenge.  

Expert Prediction and Betting Insights for the Chelsea vs PSG Final

After analyzing the teams’ journeys, tactical setups, team news, and historical context, a clear picture emerges for this highly anticipated final. While Chelsea’s resilience should not be underestimated, the evidence points towards a victory for the French champions.

Final Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Chelsea

This prediction is rooted in PSG’s overwhelming form and tactical superiority demonstrated throughout the knockout stages. Their 4-0 dismantling of Real Madrid was a statement of intent that cannot be ignored. The Parisian side’s ability to control the midfield, their defensive solidity (zero goals conceded in the knockouts), and the sublime individual quality of Ousmane Dembélé give them multiple avenues to win the match.  

Chelsea’s biggest challenge will be competing in the midfield, a task made exponentially harder by the likely absence or limited fitness of Moisés Caicedo. Without their primary defensive anchor, Chelsea’s backline will be exposed to the relentless pressure and fluid movement of PSG’s attack. While the Blues have shown they can score in big moments, and the form of João Pedro provides a genuine threat, it is difficult to see them containing PSG for the full 90 minutes. Expect Chelsea to fight hard and likely get on the scoresheet, but PSG’s overall quality should see them secure the title.  

Expert Betting Tip: PSG to Win and Over 2.5 Goals

The betting markets have PSG as strong favorites, and for good reason. A straight bet on PSG to win offers short odds. A more valuable play is to combine a PSG victory with the expectation of goals. PSG’s offense is prolific, having scored 10 goals in their three knockout games. Chelsea, meanwhile, have scored in every one of their knockout fixtures. This suggests that while PSG are likely to win, Chelsea have the firepower to contribute to the scoreline. This bet captures the probable outcome of a PSG victory in a final that is expected to feature multiple goals, offering more attractive odds than a simple moneyline wager.  

A New World Champion and the Dawn of a New Era

As the final whistle approaches at MetLife Stadium, one team will etch its name into history. For Paris Saint-Germain, a victory would be the ultimate validation of their new project, a coronation on the global stage that proves their evolution into a true collective powerhouse and secures their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup title. For Chelsea, a win would mark their second world championship, making them the most successful English club in the competition’s history and providing a triumphant end to a season of growth under Enzo Maresca.  

The Chelsea vs PSG final is more than just the culmination of a tournament. It is a benchmark for the future of global club football. The success of this inaugural 32-team event, capped by a final between two of Europe’s most compelling teams, sets a high standard for the years to come. Whether it is the tactical genius of Luis Enrique or the resilient spirit of Maresca’s Chelsea that prevails, a new world champion will be crowned, and a new era in the beautiful game will have truly begun.