Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini rock the Club World Cup final with Trump in attendance at Chelsea vs. PSG

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain kicks off shortly at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), featuring major entertainment and political figures like Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, and U.S. President Donald Trump. The event, marking the close of the tournament’s inaugural 32-team edition, promises a blend of top-tier football, musical performances, and a star-studded audience. The match, broadcast live on TV Globo, sportv, ge, and globoplay, pits two European giants against each other for the world title. Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, faces an unbeaten PSG under Luis Enrique. Trump’s presence and the ceremony with music stars heighten anticipation for one of the year’s biggest sporting events.

The clash brings together teams known for their intensity and youthful squads. Chelsea, backed by Todd Boehly’s billion-dollar investments, relies on players like Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo, while PSG, with an average age of 22.5, counts on Marquinhos’ leadership and Dembélé’s flair. The final also takes place at the venue set to host the 2026 World Cup final.

• MetLife Stadium packed with over 80,000 fans.
• Closing ceremony with Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini.
• Presence of Donald Trump and celebrities like Spike Lee.
• FIFA’s new referee body cameras in use.

Chelsea and PSG: contrasting strategies in the final

Chelsea enters the final with a strong campaign, highlighted by convincing wins over Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense. Under Enzo Maresca’s guidance, the English side employs a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing ball possession and quick transitions. Moisés Caicedo, previously doubtful due to an ankle injury, is confirmed as a starter, bolstering the midfield alongside Enzo Fernández and Reece James.

PSG, unbeaten in the 2024/25 season, showcases a dominant style, scoring 168 goals in 64 matches. Coach Luis Enrique prioritizes the speed of players like Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé, paired with the defensive solidity of Marquinhos and Beraldo. The young Parisian squad reflects a philosophy of investing in promising talents, yielding four titles this season.

• Chelsea: 40 wins, 134 goals, and Conference League title.
• PSG: 48 wins, 168 goals, and unbeaten in 2024/25.
• Head-to-head: PSG won 3 of 8 matches against Chelsea.
• Average age: PSG (22.5 years) vs Chelsea (24.2 years).

Halftime show elevates the spectacle

For the first time in Club World Cup history, the final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the event includes performances by Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems. The stage, set up in the MetLife Stadium stands, promises a visual and musical spectacle for the 80,000+ fans in attendance.

The inclusion of global music stars underscores FIFA’s push to make the tournament a worldwide event, appealing to both football fans and music enthusiasts. The closing ceremony, already underway with Robbie Williams, sets a festive tone before kickoff.

Trump and celebrities at MetLife

The final has drawn a high-profile crowd. U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at MetLife Stadium with a robust security detail, marking his presence at a major global sporting event. Other notable figures, including Spike Lee and Brazil’s national team coach Carlo Ancelotti, are also in the stands, adding glamour to the occasion.

FIFA’s promotional efforts included an iconic photo of Cole Palmer and Dembélé atop the Rockefeller Center, recreating a historic image of the building’s construction. The celebrity presence and global coverage highlight the tournament’s significance.

• Confirmed celebrities: Donald Trump, Spike Lee, Carlo Ancelotti.
• Promotional photo at Rockefeller Center with Palmer and Dembélé.
• Performances by J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, Robbie Williams, and Laura Pausini.
• Expected global viewership in the millions.

Innovative technology and refereeing

The 2025 Club World Cup introduced technological advancements, such as referee body cameras, led by Alireza Faghani. The technology, successfully tested throughout the tournament, offers a new perspective on plays and has been praised by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Refereeing Committee president.

The refereeing team, including experienced assistants Anton Schetinin and Ashley Beecham, ensures precise decisions in this high-stakes match. FIFA plans to expand the use of body cameras to other tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup.

History and rivalry on the pitch

Chelsea and PSG have faced off eight times in the Champions League, with PSG winning three, Chelsea two, and three draws. Their last meeting in 2016 ended with a 2-1 PSG victory. Now, in the world final, both teams boast impressive campaigns: Chelsea overcame Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense, while PSG dispatched Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Chelsea seeks its second world title, having won in 2021 against Palmeiras. PSG, in its first-ever world final, aims to cap a perfect season with the trophy. The rivalry between these “new money” European clubs, fueled by massive investments, adds extra intrigue to the duel.

• Last meeting: PSG 2-1 Chelsea (2016, Champions League).
• Chelsea: runner-up in 2012, champion in 2021.
• PSG: first world final in club history.
• Tournament top scorers: Di María, Gonzalo García, and Guirassy (4 goals).

Fan expectations and security

PSG fans fill the MetLife Stadium stands, but the club issued a plea for peaceful celebrations following incidents in Paris during their Champions League victory. Security has been heightened in New Jersey to ensure a safe event.

Chelsea supporters also contribute to a vibrant atmosphere. Expectations are high for a thrilling match, with both teams averaging high shot counts (Chelsea 8.5, PSG 7.8 per game).

Team locker room insights

In the locker rooms, focus reigns supreme. Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, banks on Cole Palmer’s flair, the team’s top scorer in the tournament with three goals. PSG, under Luis Enrique, highlights its young squad’s unity, with Fabián Ruiz leading with 11 assists this season.

Captain Marquinhos, who calls this PSG’s best-ever squad, is confident. The team’s preparation focused on high-intensity training, emphasizing speed and defensive efficiency.

• Chelsea: relies on Palmer and Caicedo as key players.
• PSG: Fabián Ruiz excels in assists; Marquinhos is the backbone.
• Goal average: PSG (2.6 per game) vs Chelsea (2.1 per game).
• Playing style: Chelsea emphasizes possession; PSG thrives on speed.

Global impact of the tournament

The 2025 Club World Cup, with 62 matches played, has solidified its place as a landmark in global football. The tournament, featuring 32 clubs, introduced innovations like the halftime show and refereeing technology, drawing worldwide attention with figures like Trump and music stars.

MetLife Stadium, set to host the 2026 World Cup final, is gearing up for an even larger audience in the future. The Chelsea vs PSG final promises to be a spectacle on and off the pitch, with lasting implications for club football.