NEW JERSEY (BN24) — European champions Paris Saint-Germain will face Premier League powerhouse Chelsea on Sunday in the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, capping off a historic season for both clubs and offering the richest prize in global club football.
Held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the title match marks the climax of FIFA’s newly expanded tournament, reimagined to elevate the Club World Cup into one of the sport’s most coveted trophies.
PSG arrive at the final brimming with confidence after sweeping past Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinals. Goals from Fabian Ruiz, Ousmane Dembélé, and Gonçalo Ramos sealed the emphatic win, just weeks after the French champions thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 to secure their maiden UEFA Champions League title.
Before reaching the last four, PSG eliminated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and German giants Bayern Munich in the knockouts, while topping their group with victories over Atlético Madrid and Seattle Sounders. Their only blemish came in a group-stage loss to Brazil’s Botafogo.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have charted a more turbulent path. The Blues edged Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals before dispatching Fluminense 2-0 in the semis. In the round of 16, Chelsea survived a late equalizer from Benfica’s Ángel Di María following a weather delay, ultimately prevailing 4-1 in extra time with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Earlier in the competition, Chelsea recorded wins over Los Angeles FC and ES Tunis but suffered a group-stage setback to Flamengo.
A Renewed Rivalry
This will be the ninth meeting between the two clubs, with PSG holding a slight edge: three wins to Chelsea’s two, along with three draws. Their last encounter came in March 2016, when PSG clinched a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge to complete a 4-2 aggregate triumph in the Champions League knockout stages.
Managers Eye Silverware
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca called the final the culmination of a breakthrough season for the Blues.
“It has been a fantastic season — top four in the Premier League, winning the Conference League, and now this final,” Maresca said. “Now we have one last step, and hopefully, we can win the tournament.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique, already celebrating a domestic double and the club’s first European title, stressed the historic opportunity ahead.
“We are living a special season,” Enrique said. “This is one more step against a very strong Chelsea team, and we are ready to prepare and make history for PSG.”
Team News and Lineups
PSG will again be without defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, both suspended following red cards in the quarterfinals. Dembélé, who returned from injury to start against Madrid, is expected to retain his place up front.
Chelsea will see defender Levi Colwill and striker Liam Delap return from suspension. Club captain Reece James, who was on the bench against Fluminense, is in contention to start. Midfielder Moises Caicedo remains a doubt after sustaining an ankle injury in the semifinal.
Predicted Lineups:
PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Doue, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez, Nkunku; Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET in what promises to be a defining moment for both clubs on the global stage.
