A 10-minute delay marked the start of the highly anticipated semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid, part of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, on Wednesday, July 9. The match, originally scheduled for 4:00 PM (Brasília time), began at 4:10 PM due to logistical issues involving the late arrival of both teams at the stadium, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. The clash, which determines Chelsea’s opponent in the grand final, drew global attention for pitting two European giants against each other, with PSG riding the wave of a Treble and Real Madrid led by Xabi Alonso. The delay heightened anticipation among fans and highlighted the organizational challenges of such a massive tournament.
The delay, though brief, didn’t go unnoticed. Reports indicate that both delegations faced difficulties arriving at the stadium with the usual two-hour advance. PSG arrived about 90 minutes before the original kickoff time, while Real Madrid, impacted by a delayed flight due to storms in the region, arrived even closer to game time. The situation required last-minute adjustments to the schedule, with players completing their warm-ups on the field under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
- Delay factors: Adverse weather conditions, including storms, affected air traffic and team logistics.
- Immediate impact: FIFA canceled pre-match commitments, such as press conferences, to prioritize safety.
- Fan reactions: Social media saw mixed responses, with excitement and criticism of the event’s organization.
- Match context: The game retains its significance, with the winner advancing to face Chelsea in the final.
The Club World Cup organization, in its first edition with 32 teams, faced a challenging scenario but ensured the match proceeded without further disruptions. MetLife Stadium, the venue for the duel, was packed, with an expected crowd exceeding 80,000 people.
Storms and logistics: what caused the delay
Weather conditions were the primary obstacle to the game’s punctuality. Intense storms, common in the American summer, disrupted air traffic in New Jersey and Florida, where Real Madrid traveled from. The Merengue team’s flight from Orlando was delayed by an hour before takeoff and faced congested air traffic, extending the trip from two to over three hours. This led FIFA to cancel the press conference for coach Xabi Alonso and players, a decision that sparked debates about the event’s preparation.
PSG, meanwhile, faced milder issues. The delegation, based in New York, arrived at the stadium with less advance time than usual, requiring adjustments to the warm-up routine. The lack of official details about the exact reason for the match delay fueled speculation, but confirmation of the 4:10 PM start brought relief to fans in attendance and the millions watching on Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, and DAZN.
A clash of giants under pressure
Despite the setback, the focus remained on the showdown between PSG and Real Madrid, two clubs with storied histories and rivalries. PSG, led by Luis Enrique, is in its best form in 54 years, with a Champions League title and a strong Club World Cup campaign, despite a loss to Botafogo in the group stage. Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, aims to reclaim its dominance after an inconsistent season in Spain, where it finished as a triple runner-up.
The match took on special significance due to Kylian Mbappé’s reunion with PSG, the club he represented for seven years before joining Real Madrid. Both teams’ lineups reflected key absences: PSG was without suspended players Pacho and Lucas Hernández, while Real Madrid missed defender Dean Huijsen, sent off in the previous match. PSG’s likely lineup featured Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, and Nuno Mendes in defense, with Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz in midfield, and Kvaratskhelia, Doué, and Dembélé in attack. Real Madrid relied on Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Asencio, and Fran García in defense, with Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, and Bellingham in midfield, and Vini Jr. and Gonzalo García up top.
- PSG highlights: The attacking trio, led by Kvaratskhelia, is known for speed and creativity.
- Real Madrid strengths: Courtois’ experience and Bellingham’s versatility are key assets.
- Key absences: Suspensions limited defensive options for both teams.
- Mbappé factor: The French star, now at Real, is the focal point in his reunion with his former club.
Club World Cup organization under scrutiny
The 10-minute delay exposed the logistical challenges of a global tournament hosted in the United States, where weather can be unpredictable. The 2025 Club World Cup, with 32 teams, is the largest in history, increasing organizational complexity. Other matches in the tournament also faced weather-related interruptions, with stoppages of up to 30 minutes required by local laws to ensure player and fan safety.
FIFA, the event’s organizer, issued a statement confirming that all measures were taken to ensure the game proceeded safely. However, the lack of detailed information about the delay drew criticism from some media and fans, who demanded greater transparency. The situation also reignited discussions about choosing New Jersey as a host city, given its history of unstable summer weather.
Fan reactions and expectations
In the stands and on social media, the delay prompted varied reactions. Many fans at MetLife Stadium used the extra time to amplify chants and excitement, while others expressed frustration with the wait. CazéTV’s live broadcast highlighted the anxious atmosphere, with commentators joking about the “drama” the delay added to the matchup.
PSG’s supporters, buoyed by the team’s stellar campaign, showed confidence with banners and chants celebrating the Treble. Madridistas, known for their passion, emphasized the club’s history as the biggest winner of international competitions. The rivalry between the fanbases added extra excitement, with friendly taunts and bets on the match’s outcome.
A historic stage for world football
MetLife Stadium, with a capacity of over 82,000, is one of the largest in the United States and has hosted events like the Super Bowl. For the Club World Cup, the stadium was equipped to welcome fans from around the globe, with top-tier infrastructure and enhanced security. FIFA’s choice of the venue reflects its ambition to make the tournament a global football landmark, but the 10-minute delay served as a reminder of the challenges of coordinating such a large-scale event.
The PSG x Real Madrid match, despite the delayed start, retained its spectacle status. The clash featured stars like Donnarumma, Hakimi, Bellingham, and Vini Jr., alongside young talents like Désiré Doué and Gonzalo García, who have shone in the tournament. The refereeing, led by Polish official Tomasz Kwiatkowski, was also in the spotlight, with expectations for precise decisions in a high-intensity game.
Numbers and trivia of the matchup
The PSG x Real Madrid duel is not just a sporting event but also a statistical and historical milestone. Both clubs have rich histories in international competitions, with Real Madrid leading the rankings for world titles and PSG chasing its first global trophy.
- Head-to-head history: PSG and Real Madrid have faced off 12 times in official competitions, with Madrid holding the edge (6 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses).
- Key scorers: Mbappé, now at Real, scored 4 goals against PSG while playing for Monaco.
- Record crowd: MetLife Stadium recorded over 80,000 tickets sold for the semifinal.
- Global broadcast: The match was watched in over 200 countries, with viewership peaks in Europe and Latin America.