A global showdown awaits in New Jersey as European champions Paris Saint-Germain lock horns with Premier League giants Chelsea in Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final. Both sides have navigated contrasting paths to the decider, setting up a battle brimming with star power, ambition and the ultimate prize on the world stage.
Chelsea – Blues Eye a Second Club World Cup Crown
Fresh from Conference League glory earlier this summer, Chelsea arrive at MetLife Stadium seeking to crown an eventful season with Club World Cup silverware.
Enzo Maresca’s men have won five of their six matches in the tournament, dispatching Brazilian opposition in both Fluminense and Palmeiras, while overcoming Benfica after a gruelling, storm-delayed tie.
New signing Joao Pedro has hit the ground running, scoring twice against Fluminense to underline his potential as the focal point of Chelsea’s attack.
Though their route included a group-stage defeat to Flamengo, Chelsea benefited from a softer knockout path and now stand one win away from claiming the Club World Cup for a second time, having previously lifted the trophy in 2022.
After a turbulent mid-season slump threatened to derail Maresca’s debut campaign, the Blues’ resurgence has placed them on the cusp of a memorable cup double and fresh momentum heading into the new domestic season.
Paris Saint-Germain – Chasing a Historic Quadruple
Paris Saint-Germain are writing history at breakneck speed, and adding the Club World Cup to their bursting trophy cabinet would complete a remarkable quadruple for Luis Enrique’s side.
Since a surprise slip-up against Botafogo in the group stage, PSG have been immaculate, racking up four straight victories without conceding a goal.
Their run has included high-profile wins over Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, demonstrating the French champions’ ruthless form on the continental stage.
A commanding 5-0 triumph in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, paired with Coupe de France success, highlights the team’s attacking swagger and defensive discipline.
Luis Enrique, who previously won the Club World Cup with Barcelona, now aims to guide Les Parisiens to their first global crown.
Boasting of superstars like Ousmane Dembele, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and breakout star Desire Doue, PSG’s relentless intensity makes them formidable opponents as they seek to solidify their status as World’s dominant force.
Team News
Chelsea have received a timely boost with Moises Caicedo returning to full training following an ankle injury, though Enzo Maresca still faces selection headaches.
Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia remain fitness doubts with muscular problems, while Benoit Badiashile could also miss out.
Noni Madueke’s future appears uncertain amid ongoing talks with Arsenal, and new signings Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Estevao are unavailable.
Suspensions cleared, Levi Colwill and Liam Delap return to the fold, giving Maresca more options. Joao Pedro looks certain to retain his place up front after his influential semi-final display.
PSG, meanwhile, enjoy a relatively clean bill of health. Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez are both suspended after quarter-final red cards, leaving Lucas Beraldo to partner Marquinhos in central defence.
Ousmane Dembele, now fully fit, is expected to start again following his impactful outing against Real Madrid.
Predicted Line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku; Pedro
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Doue
Match Info
Fixture: Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
Competition: FIFA Club World Cup Final
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Date: May 12, 2025
Kick-off: 8pm (WAT)
What’s at Stake
For Chelsea, a second Club World Cup title would serve as the perfect capstone to an up-and-down year, validating Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge and signalling fresh hope for the future.
For PSG, victory would complete an unprecedented quadruple and cement Luis Enrique’s men as Europe’s supreme club side, further fuelling their ambition for sustained global dominance.
