Frank Christian
From an initial field of thirty-two teams, only Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain will face off in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium this Sunday, under the skyline of New York City.
The current UEFA Champions League champions have maintained their elite performance that earned them the European title, recently demonstrating their strength by overwhelming Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinals.
Ballon d’Or aspirant Ousmane Dembele stands poised to enhance his credentials for this year’s prestigious award, having scored in both the quarterfinal and semifinal matches. However, PSG’s success is not reliant solely on him, as Luis Enrique’s squad has exceptional depth and synergy.
For Chelsea, the objective is to solidify their position on the international stage under Enzo Maresca’s leadership. With a UEFA Conference League victory and a Champions League berth secured by a fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season, claiming the Club World Cup title against the reigning European champions would send a powerful message for the upcoming season.
Predicted lineups and updates for Chelsea vs. PSG
Nicolas Jackson has yet to reclaim a starting spot since his return from suspension, as he is competing with semifinal standout Joao Pedro and new recruit Liam Delap for a forward position. Joao Pedro, who netted two goals against Fluminense during his debut for Chelsea, could be heavily favored, although Enzo Maresca noted that his performance against tight defenses is an important aspect to consider, especially since PSG may offer a different challenge. Delap will make his return after a suspension, alongside defender Levi Colwill.
The availability of midfielders Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo remains uncertain. Lavia missed a training session on Friday following his absence in the semifinals, while Caicedo trained individually, possibly for recovery. Lavia’s situation poses a real concern, whereas Caicedo might just need a maintenance day and could be ready to participate.
As confirmed by Maresca, Noni Madueke is departing the team, edging closer to a move to Arsenal. Additionally, Benoit Badiashile was seen on crutches following the quarterfinal win and is all but certain to be unavailable.
Chelsea’s expected lineup (4-2-3-1, left to right): Sanchez (GK) — Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella — E. Fernandez, Caicedo — Neto, Nkunku, Palmer — Joao Pedro.
Injuries: Lavia (muscle, doubtful), James (muscle, doubtful), W. Fofana (muscle), Kellyman (hamstring), Badiashile (leg).
Suspensions: None.
Complete Chelsea roster
Goalkeepers: Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, Robert Sanchez, Gaga Slonina
Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Reece James, Mamadou Sarr
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Dario Essugo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos
Forwards: Liam Delap, Marc Guiu, Tyrique George, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro.
As for PSG, they will be missing defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, each serving a two-match suspension due to their red cards against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. Lucas Beraldo performed exceptionally well in Pacho’s absence during the semifinal against Real Madrid and is expected to retain his starting position.
Star striker Ousmane Dembele returned from injury to make his first start in the semifinals, scoring PSG’s second goal against Real Madrid. Bradley Barcola is anticipated to continue his role as an impactful substitute off the bench.
Aside from these changes, PSG has their usual squad ready for the final, which benefits the Champions League winners who have consistently dominated their opponents this season.
PSG’s projected lineup (4-3-3, left to right): Donnarumma (GK) — Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes — Neves, Vitinha, F. Ruiz — Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Injuries: None.
Suspensions: Pacho (red card), L. Hernandez (red card).
Complete PSG roster
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Lucas Lavallee, Matvei Safonov, Arnau Tenas.
Defenders: Lucas Beraldo, Naoufel El Hannach, Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Hernandez, Noham Kamara, Presnel Kimpembe, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Yoram Zague.
Midfielders: Lee Kang-in, Senny Mayulu, Gabriel Moscardo, Joao Neves Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery.
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ibrahim Mbaye, Goncalo Ramos.
Chelsea vs. PSG match prediction
Chelsea’s journey through the Club World Cup has been commendable, but they may encounter challenges in the final match against PSG.
As stated by Maresca over the weekend, PSG is the top team globally. The French champions possess minimal vulnerabilities, meticulously crafted by Luis Enrique into an exceptional squad.
Regardless of Chelsea’s strategies, they may struggle to find a breakthrough, and PSG is poised to become not just European champions but global champions.
Prediction: Chelsea 0-3 PSG
Viewing options for Chelsea vs. PSG: Live stream and TV details
Here’s how to catch the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final in key regions across the globe:
| Date | Time | TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Sun, Jul. 13 | 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT | TBS, truTV, TUDN, Univision | DAZN, Sling, Fubo |
| Canada | Sun, Jul. 13 | 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT | — | DAZN |
| UK | Sun, Jul. 13 | 8 p.m. BST | Channel 5 | DAZN |
| Australia | Mon, Jul. 14 | 7 a.m. AEST | — | DAZN |
| India | Mon, Jul. 14 | 12:30 a.m. IST | — | DAZN, tabii |
