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Chelsea vs PSG: Club World Cup Final Preview

By Grace Thaba 13 Jul 2025 5 Min Read Save

Last updated: 13 Jul 2025, 13:28

The curtain comes down on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup tournament this Sunday as Chelsea face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a blockbuster final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The updated edition has drawn global attention for its expanded format and a range of innovative features, including referee body cameras, individual player walkouts, and a special halftime show inspired by the Super Bowl.

What a view

Cole Palmer of @ChelseaFC and Ousmane Dembélé from @PSG_inside joined the Club World Cup trophy at the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center ahead of their showdown in the FIFA Club World Cup final tomorrow pic.twitter.com/g5Xd5KGpu8

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 12, 2025

PSG Approach Final with Unstoppable Momentum

PSG head into the final brimming with momentum and confidence. Just six weeks after securing their first UEFA Champions League title, they are widely considered the most in-form team in world football.

Under manager Luis Enrique, PSG have been dominant throughout the tournament, scoring sixteen goals while conceding just once. Their knockout-stage wins have been particularly ruthless, dispatching Inter Miami, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid by a combined score of 10–0.

“For sure, they are the top team in Europe, in the world, probably in this moment the best team in the world,” said Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca in a pre-match press conference.

Chelsea Chase Second Club World Cup Title

Chelsea, the 2021 tournament champions, have quietly crafted an impressive campaign this year. Their journey to the final featured key victories over Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense. The squad has demonstrated remarkable depth and balance, with goals coming from ten different players.

Midfielder Enzo Fernández leads the tournament with three assists, while Moisés Caicedo has been crucial in controlling the tempo in midfield.

UP THE CHELS. pic.twitter.com/xfFHkkXXSX

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 13, 2025

“They are up there with the best midfielders in the world. I think that will be clear on Sunday,” Chelsea captain Reece James said of his teammates.

Managers Reflect on the Journey

Enzo Maresca, who led Chelsea to the UEFA Europa Conference League title earlier this season, praised his squad’s progress.

“It is a great achievement. It has been a fantastic season – top four in the Premier League, Conference League and now in the final of this competition. We are so, so happy. We go game by game.”

Luis Enrique, whose PSG side has swept all before them this season, also reflected on the club’s opportunity.

“We are in a special season, a special moment, and we have one more step against a very good team like Chelsea.”

️ Luis Enrique: “Chelsea is a complete team that had a good season. It won’t be an easy match.”#CHEPSG I #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/m7iv7FvLdN

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 11, 2025

Historical Head-to-Head

This will be the ninth meeting between the two clubs. Paris Saint-Germain have claimed three victories, Chelsea have won twice, and three matches have ended in draws. Their most recent encounter took place in 2016, when PSG defeated Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge to secure a 4–2 aggregate victory in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage.

Team News and Line-ups

Chelsea face several fitness concerns ahead of the final. Caicedo is expected to recover from an ankle injury, while Reece James and Levi Colwill are aiming to return to the starting lineup. Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile remain doubtful, and Wesley Fofana continues to be sidelined.

Predicted Chelsea XI:
Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, João Pedro; Delap.

PSG will be without suspended defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez. However, Ousmane Dembélé, who scored in the semifinal victory over Real Madrid, is fit to start.

Predicted PSG XI:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Beraldo, Marquinhos, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.

Road to the Final

Chelsea’s journey:

Group Stage: Beat LAFC (2-0), lost to Flamengo (1-3), beat ES Tunis (3-0)
Last 16: Beat Benfica 4-1 (after extra time)
Quarterfinal: Beat Palmeiras 2-1
Semifinal: Beat Fluminense 2-0

PSG’s journey:

Group Stage: Beat Atletico Madrid (4-0), lost to Botafogo (0-1), beat Seattle Sounders (2-0)
Last 16: Beat Inter Miami 4-0
Quarterfinal: Beat Bayern Munich 2-0
Semifinal: Beat Real Madrid 4-0

Final Prediction

Chelsea possess the creativity and attacking options to challenge PSG, but their ability to control the midfield and absorb pressure will be crucial. PSG have displayed world-class quality on both ends of the pitch throughout the tournament and remain the favourites.

Final to Feature Spectacular Star-Studded Halftime Show

For the first time in Club World Cup history, the final will include a halftime show, showcasing the influence of American sports entertainment. Inspired by the NFL’s Super Bowl spectacle, this performance is set to be a highlight of Sunday’s final.

The show will be headlined by global music stars J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems. Colombian singer J Balvin, one of the best-selling Latin artists worldwide, will be joined by Grammy-winning American rapper and singer Doja Cat, as well as Nigerian artist Tems, a two-time Grammy Award winner.

Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen, the performance supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund campaign. This initiative aims to raise one hundred million US dollars to improve access to quality education around the world.