LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Fresh off their UEFA Champions League triumph in Munich, Paris Saint-Germain arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday to commence final preparations for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup. The French champions are set to play their opening matches at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena as they chase a global title in a newly expanded competition.
“It’s a nice feeling because it’s a unique competition, a new competition,” said PSG Head Coach Luis Enrique. “We’re happy to be here. Now, it’s a moment to rest.” He added, “It’s the first Club World Cup, it’s amazing. We are looking forward to training and to competing next week.”
PSG is set to begin Group B play this Sunday with a high-profile clash against Spain’s Atlético Madrid, followed by a June 19 matchup against Brazil’s Botafogo. They will wrap up the group stage on June 24 against Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders, with that match scheduled to take place in Seattle.
The tournament features an elite lineup of global clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. International stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Erling Haaland are expected to headline the competition.
In anticipation of the tournament, Real Madrid finalized the early signing of England right back Trent Alexander-Arnold to ensure his participation. Midfielder Jude Bellingham is also reportedly postponing shoulder surgery to remain eligible for the competition.
Despite a challenging season that saw Manchester City finish without silverware, forward Phil Foden acknowledged the team’s mental fatigue but reaffirmed their resolve. “We are mentally drained,” he said. “But we’re determined to compete for this title.”
The new FIFA Club World Cup comes with high stakes—both in prestige and financial incentive. The winning team could collect up to $125 million from a record $1 billion prize pool, adding significant weight to the tournament’s allure.
