PSG vs Chelsea: FIFA Club World Cup final – teams, start, lineups
European champions Paris Saint-German will be facing Chelsea in New Jersey in the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Today, the world of football will be gripped with anticipation. As two of Europe’s giants, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea, stage a battle to become a champion lifting the cup. The match is full of suspense as both clubs are well equipped with skilled players. This isn’t just a match; it’s a monumental encounter, a clash of philosophies, and a battle for a trophy that solidifies a club’s standing on the world stage.
Both PSG and Chelsea have navigated challenging paths to reach this zenith. PSG, likely entering as UEFA Champions League winners, would have showcased their attacking brilliance and star power, dispatching formidable opponents with a blend of individual genius and tactical cohesion. Their journey would be marked by dazzling goals and moments of individual brilliance from their formidable attacking trident.
Chelsea, on the other hand, arriving perhaps as the current Champions League holders, would have relied on their renowned defensive solidity, tactical discipline, and a collective team effort that has become their hallmark. Their path to the final would signify resilience, strategic execution, and the ability to grind out results against the best in the business.
How did PSG reach the CWC final?
The Parisians achieved yet another remarkable feat in the semifinals of this year’s UEFA Champions League, defeating the record Club World Cup and European Cup champions Real Madrid 4-0 after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
PSG took the lead in the first half thanks to goals from Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele. With three minutes left in normal time, Goncalo Ramos completed the scoring.
Goals from Ousmane Dembele and Fabian Ruiz gave PSG the advantage in the first half. Goncalo Ramos finished the scoring with three minutes remaining in regular time.
How did Chelsea reach the CWC final?
The Blues defeated Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals and Fluminense 2-0 in the semifinals, defeating Brazilian opponents in the final two rounds.
After a two-hour lightning delay, Benfica returned to the pitch with four minutes left in regular time and equalized the score with a penalty kick from Angel di Maria, making the round of 16 a far more difficult task.
The Blues overcame Brazilian opponents in the final two rounds, defeating Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals and Fluminense 2-0 in the semifinals.
In the last two rounds, the Blues defeated Brazilian opponents, defeating Fluminense 2-0 in the semifinals and Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
What happened the last time PSG met Chelsea?
In March 2016, the Parisians won 2-1 in London. Diego Costa’s goal for the Blues was preceded and followed by goals from Adrien Rabiot and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
In the UEFA Champions League knockout stages of that season, it completed a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Head-to-head
This is the ninth meeting between the sides with PSG claiming victory on three occasions, while Chelsea have won twice and there have been three draws.
The first encounter came in the Champions League group stage in September 2004. The Blues won 3-0 in Paris, with the return fixture resulting in a 0-0 draw.
The Londoners have not won in the last four meetings, with PSG winning twice in that time.
PSG team news
Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez are both once again suspended, having both been shown straight reds in the quarterfinal win against Bayern.
Ousmane Dembele returned from a knock to face Real in the semis and managed the first hour of the game. The French forward is expected to be fit to start once again in the final.
Chelsea team news
The Blues may have a number of selection dilemmas heading into the final.
Central defender Levi Colwill and striker Liam Delap are both available, having both served one-game bans for picking up their second yellow cards of the tournament in the quarterfinals.
Reece James was only fit enough to make the bench in the semifinals but is pushing to be fit for a starting return. Moises Caicedo sustained an ankle injury late in the last-four win against Fluminense and is a doubt for the match with PSG
Predicted PSG starting lineup
Donnarumma; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes.
Predicted Chelsea starting lineup
Sanchez; Caicedo, Fernandez, Nkunku; Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella
