Quick Read
- PSG and Chelsea face off in the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
- PSG enters as the favorite, having dominated the tournament with key players like Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia.
- Chelsea, led by coach Enzo Maresca, has shown resilience and will rely on stars like João Pedro and Cole Palmer.
- The tactical battle will focus on PSG’s wide play and Chelsea’s counter-attacks.
- Victory would solidify PSG’s global dominance or mark Chelsea’s historic achievement.
The stage is set at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the historic FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will battle for global supremacy on July 13, 2025. This inaugural 32-team tournament has seen its fair share of drama, from low attendance to grueling weather conditions. However, all eyes are now on these two European giants as they clash for the ultimate prize in club football.
PSG’s Dominance: A Team to Beat
PSG enters the final as the undisputed favorite. Under Luis Enrique’s leadership, the French side has been nothing short of spectacular this season, having already secured a treble with victories in Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League. Their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final and a 4-0 rout of Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semifinals underscore their dominance.
Key players such as Ousmane Dembélé, who is in scintillating form with 35 goals and 14 assists this season, have been pivotal. Dembélé, now a Ballon d’Or favorite, has silenced critics with his consistent performances. Alongside him, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué have posed relentless threats on the wings, while midfielders Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, and João Neves have provided balance and creativity. PSG’s fullbacks, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, are widely regarded as the best in the world, adding another layer of complexity for opponents to handle.
Despite their invincibility, PSG did show vulnerability with a shock 1-0 group-stage loss to Botafogo. However, they quickly bounced back, defeating Bayern Munich with just nine men and cruising past Real Madrid. Their ability to recover and dominate speaks volumes about their squad depth and tactical prowess.
Chelsea: The Underdog Story
In stark contrast, Chelsea’s journey to the final has been a tale of resilience and determination. The Premier League club, under new coach Enzo Maresca, secured their place in the Club World Cup by winning the UEFA Conference League in May, a testament to their revival after struggling in Europe for the past two seasons.
Chelsea’s route to the final has been far from smooth. After a shaky group stage, including a loss to Flamengo, they found their rhythm in the knockout rounds. Victories over Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense showcased their growing confidence and adaptability. João Pedro, a £55 million summer signing, has been a revelation, scoring crucial goals, including a brace in the semifinals against his former club Fluminense.
The team’s success has also hinged on the performances of Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku, who have provided creativity and a cutting edge in attack. However, injuries have plagued the squad, with key midfielder Moisés Caicedo doubtful for the final. Reece James and Romeo Lavia are also unavailable, leaving Chelsea with significant gaps to fill.
The Tactical Battle
The final promises to be a tactical chess match. Luis Enrique’s PSG operates in a fluid 4-3-3 system, emphasizing wide play and quick switches of attack. Their ability to overload one flank and exploit space on the other has been a hallmark of their success. As The Athletic noted, PSG’s 57 switches of play during the tournament highlight their intent to destabilize defensive structures.
For Chelsea, the challenge lies in disrupting PSG’s midfield dominance and containing their explosive wide players. Enzo Maresca may need to adjust his usual 4-2-3-1 formation to avoid being outnumbered in midfield. The defensive duo of Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto will have their hands full trying to neutralize Hakimi and Mendes on the flanks. Chelsea’s pressing game, which worked effectively against Fluminense, will need to be near-perfect to unsettle PSG’s rhythm.
Set pieces and counter-attacks could be Chelsea’s best chance to create scoring opportunities. João Pedro and Palmer will need to capitalize on any lapses in PSG’s defense, which has been nearly impenetrable in the knockout stages.
What’s at Stake?
For PSG, victory would cement their status as the best team in the world and cap off a historic season. Chelsea, on the other hand, has the opportunity to become the first club to win every major honor in football. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and both teams are well aware of the significance of this match.
As MyJoyOnline aptly put it, “This game will be closer than many expect.” While PSG remains the favorite, Chelsea’s unpredictability and ability to rise to the occasion make them a formidable opponent.
As the final whistle approaches, one thing is certain: history will be made at the MetLife Stadium. Whether it’s PSG’s brilliance or Chelsea’s resilience, the Club World Cup will crown a deserving champion.