Traffic accident delays PSG x Real Madrid by 10 minutes in Club World Cup

A traffic accident near MetLife Stadium in New Jersey caused a 10-minute delay in the semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid, part of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, on Wednesday, July 9. The match, scheduled for 4:00 PM (Brasília time), was postponed to 4:10 PM due to congestion caused by the incident, which hindered access for teams and fans to the stadium. The clash, pitting two European football giants against each other, is crucial to determine Chelsea’s opponent in the final. The tournament organization quickly adjusted the schedule, while the crowd eagerly awaited the opening whistle.

The incident caused significant logistical disruptions. The accident, occurring near the stadium, involved light vehicles and partially blocked a main access road, as reported by PSG’s press office. The situation was worsened by heavy traffic in the area, already common on days of major events at MetLife Stadium, which has a capacity of over 82,000 people.

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• Main cause: A traffic accident blocked access roads to the stadium.
• Schedule impact: The opening ceremony was adjusted to ensure safety.
• FIFA’s response: The organization prioritized clearing the roads before the match began.
• Fan reactions: The wait sparked anxiety but also excitement in the stands.

The teams, already dealing with challenges due to absences and suspensions, had to adapt their warm-up routines. The match, broadcast live on Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, and DAZN, maintained global anticipation, with a spotlight on Kylian Mbappé’s reunion with PSG, now playing for Real Madrid.

Accident and traffic: details of the delay
The accident causing the delay involved a collision between two cars on one of the highways leading to MetLife Stadium, according to local authorities. Though no serious injuries were reported, the crash caused a traffic jam that affected both team delegations and fans. PSG, based in New York, arrived at the stadium with about 90 minutes to spare, less than usual. Real Madrid, coming from Miami, faced additional challenges due to a weather-delayed flight, further tightening the schedule.

FIFA, the tournament’s organizer, coordinated with local police to clear the roads swiftly. The decision to delay the start by 10 minutes ensured that pre-match procedures, such as the opening ceremony and warm-ups, were completed without compromising safety. The incident highlighted the challenges of hosting a major event in a region with heavy traffic, especially on weekdays.

The weight of the matchup in the Club World Cup
The semifinal between PSG and Real Madrid is one of the most anticipated moments of the 2025 Club World Cup, which features 32 teams for the first time. PSG, led by Luis Enrique, comes off a thrilling 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, despite two players being sent off. Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in an electrifying match, with goals from Gonzalo García, Fran García, and Kylian Mbappé.

The duel carries extra weight due to Mbappé’s context, having left PSG in 2024 for Real Madrid at no transfer cost, sparking tensions. The player filed lawsuits against the French club, claiming 55 million euros in salaries and bonuses, but recently withdrew a moral damages claim, signaling an attempt to ease tensions before the matchup. Both teams’ lineups reflect key absences: PSG is without suspended players Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández, while Real Madrid lacks Dean Huijsen, also sent off.

• Likely PSG lineup: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Dembélé.
• Likely Real Madrid lineup: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Asencio, Fran García; Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Bellingham; Vini Jr., Gonzalo García.
• Recent head-to-head: In 12 official matches, Real won 5, PSG 4, with 3 draws.
• Mbappé factor: The Frenchman faces his former club for the first time since his transfer.

Logistical challenges of the tournament
The 2025 Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, has faced several logistical hurdles, including game stoppages due to storms and delays from adverse weather. The accident near MetLife Stadium was not an isolated case, as other matches, such as Benfica x Chelsea and Palmeiras x Al-Ahly, experienced interruptions of up to two hours due to lightning alerts. FIFA implemented strict protocols, including real-time weather monitoring, to ensure player and fan safety.

Heavy traffic in New Jersey, especially around the stadium, is a known issue. On event days, such as concerts or NFL games, congestion is common, and the accident exacerbated this scenario. The tournament organization adjusted logistics, but the situation drew criticism from fans on social media, who demanded better planning to avoid delays.

Reactions in the stadium and online
The 10-minute delay did not dampen the excitement at MetLife Stadium, which welcomed over 80,000 fans. While waiting, supporters ramped up their chants, with PSG fans displaying banners celebrating the Treble and Madridistas highlighting Real Madrid’s 15 Champions League titles. CazéTV’s broadcast captured the vibrant atmosphere, with commentators emphasizing the rivalry between the fanbases.

On social media, the accident sparked varied reactions. Some fans joked about the “traffic curse” in New Jersey, while others criticized the organization for not anticipating the impact of traffic on such a high-profile match. The hashtag #PSGxRealMadrid trended globally, with posts hyping the anticipation for the duel and the talent of players like Vini Jr., Kvaratskhelia, and Bellingham.

A stage worthy of the spectacle
MetLife Stadium, one of the largest in the United States, was chosen to host the semifinal due to its infrastructure and ability to accommodate large crowds. The venue, which has hosted events like the Super Bowl, was equipped with enhanced security and dedicated areas for international fans. The PSG x Real Madrid match, despite the delay, retained its status as a global football milestone, broadcast in over 200 countries.

The refereeing, led by Polish official Tomasz Kwiatkowski, was also under scrutiny, given the history of controversial calls in Club World Cup matches. Expectations are high for a balanced contest, with PSG banking on the speed of its attacking trio and Real Madrid relying on Courtois’ experience and Bellingham’s versatility.

Numbers and facts of the matchup
The PSG x Real Madrid clash carries a rich history, with memorable encounters in the Champions League and now in the Club World Cup. Both clubs have invested heavily in their squads, with PSG spending around 1.2 billion euros and Real Madrid about 1 billion, according to transfer market data.

• Expected attendance: Over 80,000 fans filled MetLife Stadium.
• Global broadcast: The match saw viewership peaks in Europe and Latin America.
• Tournament scorers: Gonzalo García (Real Madrid) and Kvaratskhelia (PSG) lead their teams.
• Previous encounters: PSG won the last meeting in 2022, 1-0, with a goal from Mbappé.
• Prize money: Each semifinalist has secured approximately 30 million dollars.