Frank Christian
This match is precisely the thrilling encounter that FIFA envisioned when redesigning the Club World Cup into a large 32-team tournament, albeit perhaps earlier than they anticipated.
In the quarterfinals, two of Europe’s top clubs meet as reigning UEFA Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain face off against German league champions Bayern Munich this Saturday in Atlanta.
Both squads faced unexpected losses during the group stage but decisively overpowered their Round of 16 opponents to solidify their positions in this matchup. Each of these footballing powerhouses scored four goals in their last games, with PSG defeating former player Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0, and Bayern edging out Brazilian club Flamengo with a 4-2 victory.
Moreover, both teams may welcome back a crucial playmaker, with Ousmane Dembele and Jamal Musiala potentially making their first starts in this revised tournament format.
The Sporting News provides an update on the latest team developments and injury reports for both clubs as game time approaches.
Predicted lineups and team news for PSG vs. Bayern Munich
Highlighted forward Ousmane Dembele has been sidelined due to a thigh injury but made a comeback off the bench against Inter Miami, possibly positioning him for a starting role.
Bradley Barcola also returned to the starting lineup after missing earlier games in this competition. If Dembele is reintegrated, Luis Enrique will face a decision reminiscent of those from last season.
On the other hand, PSG have a full roster of regular players ready for action, a significant advantage for the current Champions League holders, who have dominated their competitors this season. Marquinhos, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves each risk missing the potential semifinal should they receive a yellow card in this match.
PSG predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes — Neves, Vitinha, F. Ruiz — Doue, Barcola, Kvaratskhelia.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
On a yellow: Neves, Ruiz, Marquinhos.
Complete PSG squad
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.
Bayern sees Jamal Musiala back in action after recovering from a long-standing knee injury that had hindered the team’s performance in the UEFA Champions League. Although he hasn’t yet started, he has made two substitute appearances in this tournament, and if ready, he could replace a struggling Serge Gnabry, significantly benefiting Vincent Kompany.
Kim Min-Jae is back in training after a minor injury but has lost his position as a regular starter at center-back due to the summer signing of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen. Canadian star Alphonso Davies is unfortunately absent from the squad due to an ACL tear sustained during international duty last season.
Bayern have several crucial players who could be suspended for a potential semifinal if they receive a yellow card in this game, including Musiala, Tah, and Joshua Kimmich.
Bayern Munich predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Neuer (GK) — Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic — Kimmich, Goretzka — Olise, Musiala, Coman — Kane.
Injured: Davies (ACL).
Suspended: None.
On a yellow: Tah, Laimer, Kimmich, Musiala, Goretzka.
Complete Bayern Munich squad
Goalkeepers: Leon Klanac, Manuel Neuer, Daniel Peretz, Jonas Urbig
Defenders: Adam Aznou, Sacha Boey, Eric Dier, Raphael Guerreiro, Cassiano Kiala, Kim Min-jae, Josip Stanisic, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: Tom Bischof, Leon Goretzka, Lennard Karl, Joshua Kimmich, Maurice Krattenmacher, Konrad Laimer, Jamal Musiala, Joao Palhinha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, David Santos
Forwards: Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Harry Kane, Jonah Kusi-Asare, Wisdon Mike, Thomas Muller, Michael Olise, Gabriel Vidovic.
Score Prediction for PSG vs. Bayern Munich
The outcome of this match may hinge on the availability of either Ousmane Dembele or Jamal Musiala for an extended role. Musiala’s involvement, in particular, could prove pivotal for Bayern Munich, as his earlier absence significantly impacted the club’s performance in Europe last season.
Nevertheless, PSG currently stands as the top team globally, possessing unparalleled capabilities on both the offensive and defensive ends. Their full-back duo is considered the best in the world, which plays a critical role in games decided by narrow margins. They are likely to progress, but it promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Prediction: PSG 2-1 Bayern Munich
Where to Watch PSG vs. Bayern Munich: Live Stream and TV Options
Here’s how to view this quarterfinal of the Club World Cup in various significant regions worldwide:
| Date | Time | TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Sat, Jul. 5 | 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT | TNT | Sling, DAZN |
| Canada | Sat, Jul. 5 | 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT | — | DAZN |
| UK | Sat, Jul. 5 | 5 p.m. BST | Channel 5 | DAZN |
| Australia | Sun, Jul. 6 | 4 a.m. AEST | — | DAZN, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now |
| India | Sat, Jul. 5 | 9:30 p.m. IST | — | DAZN, FanCode, tabii |
