Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain face off in the grand final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a match set to make football history. The game takes place on Sunday, July 13, at 4:00 PM (Brasília time) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States. With live broadcasts on multiple platforms, the clash features the Conference League and Champions League winners, led by coaches Enzo Maresca and Luis Enrique. Expectations are high, with sold-out tickets and over 82,000 fans expected at the stadium. The European rivalry gains a new chapter, and the match will crown the first champion of the tournament’s new 32-team format.
The showdown pits two star-studded squads against each other, with players like Cole Palmer and João Pedro for Chelsea, and Ousmane Dembélé and Marquinhos for PSG. Beyond the on-field spectacle, the game carries historical weight, as both teams aim to cement their global dominance. The presence of Brazilian players, such as João Pedro and Lucas Beraldo, adds a special touch for Brazilian fans.
- What’s at stake: The inaugural title of the revamped Club World Cup.
- Chelsea’s highlights: João Pedro’s rise and Cole Palmer’s leadership.
- PSG’s strength: A fast-paced attack led by Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia.
- The stage: MetLife Stadium, a venue for major sports and cultural events.
The final marks the climax of a competition that saw four Brazilian clubs—Flamengo, Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Botafogo—fall before the decider, with Chelsea eliminating two of them. The matchup promises to be a tactical battle, with PSG chasing their first world title and Chelsea aiming for a second.
Live broadcast of the final
The Chelsea vs PSG match will have extensive coverage for Brazilian fans. Globo TV broadcasts the game on free-to-air television, while SporTV airs it on cable. For streaming, DAZN offers free access with registration, and CazéTV, via Disney+, also provides the broadcast at no extra cost. Globoplay streams live with exclusive videos, and RPC covers the game for all of Paraná. Digital platforms expand options, allowing fans to watch on smart TVs, phones, or tablets.
Fans should note the schedule: the game starts at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), but pre-game coverage begins earlier with analysis and interviews. Globo’s broadcast features experienced commentators, delivering excitement and tactical insights straight from MetLife Stadium.
Probable lineups for the clash
Chelsea, coached by Enzo Maresca, is expected to field the same lineup that beat Fluminense 2-0 in the semifinals, though doubts linger. Midfielder Moisés Caicedo, a season standout, suffered an ankle injury and is uncertain. If he’s out, Brazilian Andrey Santos, formerly of Vasco, could get a chance. Chelsea’s likely lineup is: Robert Sánchez; Malo Gusto (Reece James), Chalobah, Adarabioyo, and Cucurella; Andrey Santos (Caicedo) and Enzo Fernández; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Nkunku; João Pedro.
PSG, led by Luis Enrique, faces key absences. Defender Willian Pacho and full-back Lucas Hernández, sent off against Bayern Munich, are suspended. Brazilian Lucas Beraldo is set to pair with Marquinhos in defense. Ousmane Dembélé, a Ballon d’Or contender, is confirmed. PSG’s probable lineup is: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, and Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Doué, and Dembélé.
Head-to-head history
Chelsea and PSG have met in high-stakes moments, particularly in the Champions League. Their last encounter was in the 2015/2016 round of 16, with PSG advancing 4-2 on aggregate. Overall, the clubs have faced off eight times in European competitions, with three wins each and two draws. This is their first meeting in the Club World Cup, raising expectations for a tightly contested match.
Past clashes were marked by intense battles, with goals from stars like Zlatan Ibrahimović for PSG and Diego Costa for Chelsea. The rivalry intensified in the 2010s as both clubs established themselves as financial and sporting powerhouses in Europe.
Recent results for Chelsea and PSG
Chelsea heads into the final with a strong campaign, despite a group-stage loss. Here are the Blues’ last five games in the 2025 Club World Cup:
- Chelsea 2-0 Fluminense (semifinal)
- Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras (quarterfinal)
- Chelsea 4-1 Benfica (round of 16, extra time)
- Chelsea 3-0 Espérance (group stage)
- Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea (group stage)
PSG, meanwhile, dominated the tournament, with just one slip-up. Their last five results are:
- PSG 3-0 Real Madrid (semifinal)
- PSG 2-0 Bayern Munich (quarterfinal)
- PSG 4-0 Inter Miami (round of 16)
- Botafogo 1-0 PSG (group stage)
- PSG 4-0 Atlético Madrid (group stage)
Key players and top scorers
For Chelsea, João Pedro is the main attacking threat. The Brazilian, signed during the tournament, scored both goals against Fluminense and has three goals in the World Cup. Cole Palmer, with his playmaking, leads the team in assists. For PSG, Ousmane Dembélé shines with four goals in the competition, while Kvaratskhelia impresses with speed and dribbling. Marquinhos, PSG’s captain, anchors the defense with consistent performances.
The midfield battle, featuring Enzo Fernández against Vitinha and João Neves, could dictate the game’s tempo. The individual quality of both squads promises a high-level spectacle with fast plays and well-defined tactics.
Predictions for the final
Analysts slightly favor PSG due to their dominant campaign, including a thrashing of Real Madrid. However, Chelsea’s resilience against Palmeiras and Fluminense balances the predictions. ESPN experts suggest a close scoreline, possibly going to extra time. CazéTV’s coverage highlighted Chelsea’s counterattacks as a deciding factor, while PSG relies on ball possession and offensive pressure.
Fans on social media are split. Some predict a 2-1 PSG win with goals from Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, while others see Chelsea pulling off a 1-0 upset, led by João Pedro. The match’s unpredictability heightens the excitement.
City and stadium: the final’s stage
New Jersey hosts the final at the iconic MetLife Stadium, with a capacity of 82,500. The venue, home to NFL games and concerts by artists like Bruce Springsteen, is a premier sports arena in the U.S. Located near New York City, MetLife will also host the 2026 World Cup final, underscoring its global significance.
Tickets sold out quickly, with prices ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the section. The atmosphere is set to be electric, with fans of both clubs and even U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed to attend, as reported by the BBC.
Weather forecast for the game
For the match time at 3:00 PM (local time), the forecast predicts partly cloudy skies in New Jersey, with a temperature of 24°C and 60% humidity. No rain is expected, ensuring ideal football conditions. The MetLife Stadium pitch, adapted for the tournament, has been praised by players and coaches, promising a smooth, high-quality game.
Refereeing for the final
FIFA has not yet officially announced the refereeing team for the final, but speculation points to an experienced referee like Brazil’s Wilton Pereira Sampaio, given his track record in major World Cup matches. Assistants and VAR officials will be confirmed closer to the date, ensuring fairness and accuracy. Refereeing will be critical in such a balanced match, with potential for controversial calls.
Fun facts about the matchup
The 2025 Club World Cup final brings intriguing details:
- This is the first edition with 32 teams, inspired by the World Cup format.
- João Pedro faces PSG for the first time since leaving Fluminense, where he developed.
- PSG seeks their first world title, while Chelsea won the tournament in 2012.
- MetLife Stadium hosted the semifinals, with over 70,000 fans per game.
- The Chelsea-PSG rivalry stems from epic Champions League clashes.
Coaches in the spotlight
Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca faces his first major global final. The Italian, who led the Blues to the Conference League title, favors a compact, vertical style. PSG’s Luis Enrique, known for his attacking approach, has molded a dynamic, youthful squad, with only Marquinhos over 30 in the starting lineup. His team’s thrashing of Real Madrid showcased his tactical prowess.
The tactical duel between the coaches will be a highlight. Maresca is likely to prioritize defensive solidity, while Luis Enrique will aim to control possession and exploit the flanks with Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia.
The road to the final
Chelsea overcame significant challenges to reach the final. After losing to Flamengo in the group stage, the Blues bounced back with convincing wins over Espérance, Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense. Maresca highlighted the team’s resilience despite injuries and absences. PSG dominated, except for a loss to Botafogo. Victories over Atlético Madrid, Inter Miami, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid solidified their status as favorites.
Both clubs showcased quality and adaptation to the new World Cup format, which requires seven games to win. The final promises to be the pinnacle of a tournament featuring the world’s top football forces, with remarkable balance between the teams.
