The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup reached its climax on Sunday, with 32 teams vying for the championship at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In the spotlight were Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain, both eager to claim the coveted trophy.
This final matchup marks the ninth time Chelsea and PSG have faced each other. Historically, PSG has come out on top in three of their previous encounters, while Chelsea has won two. They’ve shared the spoils once in a draw, but this time a definitive winner will emerge. The victorious team will proudly wear the Club World Cup winner’s badge on their kits for the next four years.
Chelsea FC’s Journey to the Final
Group Stage (Group D runner-up): W 2-0 vs LAFC; L 1-3 vs Flamengo; W 3-0 vs Espérance de Tunis
Round of 16: W 4-1 vs Benfica
Quarterfinals: W 2-1 vs Palmeiras
Semi-finals: W 2-0 vs Fluminense
Chelsea faced challenges during the Group D matches. Their opener against Los Angeles FC—who joined the tournament just days prior—ended in a solid 2-0 win, but it was not without its moments of struggle. They stumbled in the second match against Flamengo, suffering a hefty 3-1 defeat. Thankfully, they bounced back by easily defeating Espérance De Tunis 3-0 to proceed to the knockout rounds.
In the knockout stage, Chelsea showcased their strength, dominating Benfica 4-1 in the Round of 16. They managed a tight 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the quarterfinals, and in the semis, a strong performance against Fluminense—featuring a standout brace from João Pedro—sealed their place in the final.
The Path to the PSG Final
Group Stage (Winner of Group B): W 4-0 vs Atlético Madrid; L 0-1 vs Botafogo; W 2-0 vs Seattle Sounders
Round of 16: W 4-0 vs Inter Miami
Quarterfinals: W 2-0 vs Bayern Munich
Semi-finals: W 4-0 vs Real Madrid
What to Expect
Injuries and Suspensions: PSG will be without the services of defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, both suspended due to red cards received against Bayern. However, Ousmane Dembélé appears fit to return to the lineup. On Chelsea’s side, Levi Colwill and Liam Dellup are back from suspension, but Moisés Caicedo’s availability is uncertain due to an ankle injury sustained in the semi-final.
Form and Conditions: Both teams are in solid form; Chelsea has won 13 of their last 15 matches while PSG has an impressive record of 10 wins in 11 games. PSG has only conceded one goal throughout the tournament. Temperatures are expected to rise into the 80s during the afternoon match, and both coaches will need to manage their squads effectively to cope with the heat.
A Tactical Showdown: Coaches Enzo Maresca (Chelsea) and Luis Enrique (PSG) will be going head-to-head, each strategizing to outmaneuver the other. Enrique is eager to make history for PSG, while Maresca sees this as the opportunity to cap off a successful season. Both coaches are keen on game plans, making this final an exciting tactical battle to watch.
Prediction
Considering PSG’s overall dominance in various tournaments, one might lean towards them being the stronger side. They previously defeated Chelsea 3-1, but the final’s unpredictability could change everything.
