In a clash set to captivate football fans worldwide, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid face off on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), in the semifinal of the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup. The duel takes place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States, pitting two European giants against each other for a spot in the final. The match, marking Kylian Mbappé’s reunion with his former club, will be broadcast live on Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, and DAZN, with an expected global audience. PSG, the current Champions League champion, takes on a revamped Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso’s leadership in a game blending historic rivalry, star players, and significant absences on both sides.
The semifinal is one of the most anticipated moments of the tournament, which debuts an expanded 32-team format this year. The winner will face Chelsea, who defeated Fluminense in the other semifinal, in the final set for July 13. The clash between the French and Spanish sides carries a balanced history, with memorable moments in the Champions League, and is expected to be decided by fine margins, with players like Vinícius Jr. and Ousmane Dembélé in the spotlight.
The match also has a unique context. Beyond the sporting rivalry, off-field issues, such as Mbappé’s legal dispute with PSG, add extra spice to the duel. The weather forecast in New Jersey points to a cloudy day with mild temperatures, ideal for football.
- What’s at stake: A place in the 2025 Club World Cup final against Chelsea.
- Key highlights: Mbappé facing his former club and the Vinícius Jr.-Bellingham duo for Real Madrid.
- Tactical challenges: Both teams face significant defensive absences.
- Global impact: The match is seen as a de facto final, with record viewership expected.
Live broadcast and viewing options
The PSG vs Real Madrid clash will have extensive coverage in Brazil and worldwide. In Brazil, fans can watch the game on multiple platforms, ensuring easy access to the live broadcast. Globo will air it on free-to-air TV, with narration by Luis Roberto and commentary by Caio Ribeiro, Junior, and Roger Flores, starting at 3:40 PM. SporTV, on pay-TV, will also show the match, while CazéTV offers free streaming on YouTube, Disney+, and Prime Video. For streaming fans, DAZN provides the game in high-definition video and audio quality.
The broadcast accessibility reflects the match’s significance, featuring the last two Champions League winners. In addition to live options, the ge.globo.com website will provide real-time coverage with play-by-play updates, stats, and analysis. For fans watching from other countries, Fifa offers free streaming in some regions via Fifa+, subject to geo-restrictions.
Probable lineups for the match
PSG, led by Luis Enrique, faces defensive challenges due to suspensions. Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández, sent off in the 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, are out. Brazilian Lucas Beraldo is expected to partner Marquinhos in defense, while Ousmane Dembélé, recovered from injury, is a doubt in attack. PSG’s likely lineup is:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz; Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé (or Bradley Barcola), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, also has defensive absences. Dean Huijsen, sent off against Borussia Dortmund, is unavailable, and Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and David Alaba are injured. Raúl Asencio is expected to start in defense, while the attack has a doubt between Kylian Mbappé, recently recovered from gastroenteritis, and Gonzalo García, the tournament’s top scorer with four goals. The probable lineup is:
- Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Fran García; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham; Arda Güler, Gonzalo García (or Kylian Mbappé), Vinícius Jr.
Head-to-head history between PSG and Real Madrid
The PSG vs Real Madrid matchup is marked by balance and epic moments, particularly in the Champions League. In 12 official matches, Real Madrid won five, PSG four, and three ended in draws. Each team scored 16 goals in these encounters, suggesting typically open games with plenty of chances. The most recent clash, in March 2022, saw Real Madrid win 3-1, with a Karim Benzema hat-trick in the Champions League round of 16.
In knockout ties, the balance is even tighter. PSG prevailed in the 1990s, while Real Madrid won in 2018 and 2022. The rivalry gained a new chapter with Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid, facing his former club for the first time since his controversial departure, marked by a legal dispute over 55 million euros.
Recent results for both teams
PSG enters the semifinal in strong form, with only one defeat in the Club World Cup, a 1-0 loss to Botafogo in the group stage. Their last five games in the tournament show consistency:
- PSG 2-0 Bayern Munich (quarterfinals)
- PSG 4-0 Inter Miami (round of 16)
- Seattle Sounders 0-2 PSG (group stage)
- PSG 0-1 Botafogo (group stage)
- PSG 4-0 Atlético de Madrid (group stage)
Real Madrid, unbeaten in the tournament, faced tougher matches but showed resilience. Their last five results in the Club World Cup are:
- Real Madrid 3-2 Borussia Dortmund (quarterfinals)
- Real Madrid 2-0 Juventus (round of 16)
- Real Madrid 3-1 Al Ain (group stage)
- Real Madrid 2-2 Pachuca (group stage)
- Real Madrid 4-0 Wydad Casablanca (group stage)
Refereeing and match details
The match will be officiated by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, one of the world’s most respected officials, who refereed the 2022 World Cup final. He will be assisted by Tomasz Listkiewicz and Adam Kupsik, also from Poland, with Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria as the fourth official. The VAR will be handled by Tomasz Kwiatkowski (Poland) and Rob Dieperink (Netherlands). The choice of an experienced crew reflects the match’s importance, requiring precise decisions in critical moments.
Weather conditions in New Jersey
MetLife Stadium is expected to host the match under favorable conditions. The weather forecast for July 9 in New Jersey indicates a cloudy day, with temperatures between 20°C and 24°C and moderate humidity. No rain is expected, ensuring good pitch conditions and comfort for players and fans. The stadium, with a capacity of 82,000, is expected to be sold out, with tickets sold out weeks in advance.
Top scorers and tournament standouts
For PSG, the attack is led by Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, who scored decisive goals against Bayern. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with his flair, is also a key weapon. For Real Madrid, Gonzalo García surprises with four goals, leading the team’s scoring charts in the tournament. Vinícius Jr., with two goals, and Jude Bellingham, with assists and attacking runs, are pivotal. Mbappé, if he starts, could be a game-changer with his speed and goal-scoring instinct.
Trivia about the matchup
The PSG vs Real Madrid duel is filled with stories and facts that heighten anticipation for the semifinal.
- Mbappé’s reunion: The Frenchman faces PSG for the first time since his exit, amid a legal dispute over 55 million euros in wages and bonuses.
- Xabi Alonso factor: The coach, in his first season at Real Madrid, is unbeaten in the Club World Cup and seeks his first major title.
- MetLife Stadium: The venue has hosted events like the Copa América final and concerts by artists like Beyoncé, but this is its first Club World Cup semifinal.
- Record prize money: The tournament champion could earn up to US$125 million, according to Fifa, an unprecedented amount for the competition.
Tickets and stadium atmosphere
Tickets for PSG vs Real Madrid sold out quickly, with prices ranging from US$100 to US$1,500, depending on the section. MetLife Stadium, known for its vibrant atmosphere, expects a mix of European, American, and Brazilian fans who traveled to support the teams. Fifa organized fan zones with big screens and activities, reinforcing the tournament’s global appeal. Security has been heightened due to the event’s magnitude, with local authorities and Fifa personnel on site.
Match predictions
The semifinal is seen as unpredictable, but PSG enters as slight favorites due to their solid campaign and defense, which conceded just one goal in the tournament. Real Madrid, however, boasts a versatile attack and knockout experience. Betting sites like Betnacional show balanced odds: 2.43 for a PSG win, 3.57 for a draw, and 2.87 for Real Madrid. Experts highlight the potential for a high-scoring game, as both teams average over 1.4 goals per first half in the Club World Cup.
Coaches in the spotlight
Luis Enrique, at PSG, is at his peak as a coach, having won the European treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League) last season. His attacking approach and ability to adapt despite absences are strengths. Xabi Alonso, at Real Madrid, took over after Carlo Ancelotti’s move to the Brazilian national team and introduced a dynamic style, with quick transitions and reliance on youngsters like Arda Güler and Gonzalo García. The tactical battle between the two promises to be a highlight.
