Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain will battle for global supremacy this Sunday as they face off in the final of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — a showpiece that pits two in-form European giants on a collision course.
It’s been a fruitful summer so far for Chelsea, who are chasing a second piece of silverware after lifting the UEFA Conference League title. With their place in next season’s Champions League already secured and five wins from six Club World Cup matches under their belt, Enzo Maresca’s revitalised side are building serious momentum.
The Blues dispatched Fluminense 2-0 in the semi-finals, thanks largely to new signing Joao Pedro, who scored in both halves against his boyhood club. Having already overcome Palmeiras and Benfica in the earlier rounds — the latter after a weather-delayed and extra-time thriller — Chelsea now stand on the brink of a historic cup double.
While their journey included a group-stage setback against Flamengo, Chelsea have since avoided major stumbling blocks, aided by a favourable draw. But now comes the ultimate test: defeating a relentless PSG outfit who have swept all before them.
PSG Chasing an Unprecedented Quadruple
Luis Enrique’s side have looked unstoppable in 2025. Since a minor hiccup against Botafogo in the group stage, PSG have stormed past Inter Miami, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid to reach Sunday’s final, recording four straight clean-sheet wins.
Their 3-0 semi-final triumph over Real Madrid, the most decorated club in European history, was a statement performance. Early goals, clinical finishing, and suffocating control typified the French champions’ run. Gonçalo Ramos added a late strike to seal a mirror scoreline to their opener against Atletico Madrid, highlighting their attacking depth.
Already winners of Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League — in which they humiliated Inter Milan 5-0 — PSG are now one match away from a glittering quadruple. Luis Enrique, a Club World Cup winner with Barcelona in 2015, is once again leading a high-octane, star-studded squad towards greatness.
Team News
Chelsea were handed a boost in the build-up, with midfielder Moises Caicedo returning to full training after recovering from an ankle injury. However, Maresca may be without Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia (both muscular issues), while Benoit Badiashile is doubtful. Winger Noni Madueke is also unlikely to feature amid transfer talks with Arsenal. New signings Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Estevao are unavailable due to registration rules.
Suspended duo Levi Colwill and Liam Delap return to contention, with the latter likely to challenge Joao Pedro, who appears to have cemented his place after his standout semi-final display.
PSG, meanwhile, could field a near-full-strength squad. Ousmane Dembele is fit again and expected to spearhead the attack alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the in-form Desire Doue. Only defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez are suspended, with Lucas Beraldo set to partner Marquinhos once more in central defence.
Probable Starting Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku; Joao Pedro
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Doue
A Final for the Ages?
It’s a clash between Chelsea’s newfound resilience under Maresca and PSG’s all-conquering form under Enrique. With a global crown on the line and star quality scattered across both squads, Sunday’s final promises drama, intensity, and a glimpse into football’s evolving elite.
Whether Chelsea can defy the odds and claim a second Club World Cup title or PSG complete a historic clean sweep, all eyes will be on New York this weekend.