Flamengo faces Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Copa Intercontinental final this Wednesday, December 17, at Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Catar. The match is scheduled for 8pm local time (2pm Brasília time) and brings together the champion of Copa Libertadores with the winner of UEFA Champions League. The tournament replaces the former format of the annual Mundial and defines the 2025 intercontinental champion.
Rubro-Negro reaches the decision after overcoming preliminary stages with convincing victories. The Rio team beat Cruz Azul 2-1 at Derby at Américas and defeated Pyramids 2-0 at Copa Challenger. Já PSG enters directly into the final as they are the European champions.
- Giorgian from Arrascaeta stood out with goals and assists in the previous stages.
- Léo Pereira and Danilo scored in the victory over Pyramids.
- The team maintains a recent unbeaten record in international competitions.
Flamengo’s trajectory to the final
Flamengo won the place in the decision after a solid campaign in the qualifying stages held at Catar. The team led by Filipe Luís demonstrated tactical organization and efficiency in set pieces during the clashes. The goals came mainly from aerial plays, exploiting the physical strength of the defenders.
The victory over Cruz Azul marked the beginning of the red and black participation in the tournament. Arrascaeta shone with two goals that secured the 2-1 victory.
Afterwards, the confrontation against Pyramids consolidated the classification. Flamengo controlled ball possession and converted opportunities into set pieces. Léo Pereira opened the scoring with a header, and Danilo expanded in the second half.
Jorge Carrascal Declarations
Jorge Carrascal, Colombian midfielder for Flamengo, commented on the challenge against PSG after the semi-final victory. The player highlighted the balance between the teams and the need for adequate preparation. Ele emphasized the red-black group’s confidence despite French favoritism.
Carrascal has been going through a good phase since his arrival at the club this season. The athlete has participated in 23 games, with three goals and five assists recorded so far. Suas dribbling and mobility characteristics can be decisive in the confrontation.
The midfielder reinforced that Flamengo arrives lighter for the final. Diferente from previous stages, where they were seen as favorites, now the team enters with less pressure. Ele added that the team maintains joy and confidence to face their European opponent.
Paris Saint-Germain Profile
PSG qualified directly for the final as UEFA Champions League 2024-25 champions. The French team won the European title by defeating Inter of Milão 5-0 in the final. Sob commanded by Luis Enrique, the team prioritizes intercontinental competition.
The squad has high-level players in all positions. Destaques include names like Kvaratskhelia, Gonçalo Ramos and Barcola in the attack. The defense has pieces like Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes.
The French club is looking for its first intercontinental title. Apesar domination in the Ligue 1, PSG still has no club world achievements in its recent history. The final represents an opportunity to expand the international trophy.
Intercontinental tournament format
FIFA’s Copa Intercontinental brings together champions from the six confederations in a pyramid format. The European champion enters directly into the final, while the others compete in playoffs. Essa structure was adopted from 2024 to replace the annual Mundial of Clubes.
This year, Flamengo represented Conmebol as winner of Libertadores. The path included the Derby of the Américas against the representative of the Concacaf and the Copa Challenger against the African-Asian winner. Pyramids eliminated previous opponents to reach the semi-finals.
The decision will be in a single game at Catar. In case of a draw in normal time, the decision takes place directly on penalties. The winner receives the trophy and significant prize.
Team preparation
Flamengo carries out training at Catar focusing on physical recovery after the previous phases. The delegation prioritizes rest and tactical adjustments to neutralize the French attack. Filipe Luís must maintain the base that won the preliminary games.
On PSG’s side, Luis Enrique spared starters in recent national rounds. Essa strategy aims to arrive at the decision with a fresh squad. The Spanish coach plans to use maximum strength for the clash.
Both teams have organized fans at the venue. The Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, which hosted games from Copa to Mundo in 2022, expects a good audience. The capacity of around 44 thousand fans should be partially occupied by supporters from both sides.
Individual highlights on Flamengo
Giorgian from Arrascaeta emerges as Rubro-Negro’s main creative weapon in the tournament. The Uruguayan contributed directly to goals in the two matches played. Suas assists on dead balls proved decisive.
Danilo, in addition to scoring, leads in defensive actions. The player won important aerial duels and demonstrates versatility. Outros names like Everton Cebolinha and Bruno Henrique add speed to counterattacks.
Agustín Rossi guarantees security in goal. The Argentine made important saves in the qualifying stages. The solid defense forms the basis for the balance proposed by the team.
PSG star squad
PSG’s attack has varied options with players from national teams. Gonçalo Ramos accumulates goals in the European season. Barcola and Kvaratskhelia offer imbalance at the ends.
In midfield, Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz control the pace. João Neves appears as a rising promise. Marquinhos’s experience organizes the defensive line.
Luis Enrique varies formations depending on the opponent. Para the final, an offensive scheme exploiting quick transitions is expected. The Spanish coach is looking for the club’s first world title.
Historical context of the confrontation
Flamengo and PSG have never faced each other in official matches. The duel marks an unprecedented meeting between clubs with different traditions. Rubro-Negro holds the 1981 intercontinental title against Liverpool.
PSG has dominated French football for years, but is seeking global affirmation. The Champions League achieved in 2025 represents a recent peak. The final at Catar brings together two powers in search of an international legacy.
The tournament gains relevance as a bridge to the Mundial of Clubes expanded in 2029. Todos participants guarantee an automatic place in that competition. The 2025 decision closes the club calendar with a flourish.
Expectations for the decision
Analysts point to balance despite French financial power. Flamengo demonstrates tactical maturity in recent knockout games. Efficiency in set pieces can balance forces.
PSG is betting on individual quality to unbalance. Transições speed and possession of the ball qualify the European style. The match promises a high technical level between global giants.
Transmissions occur on open and paid channels on Brasil. Plataformas streaming services also make the game available. Torcedores follow you minute by minute in different options.
- Globo broadcasts on open TV.
- SporTV covers you with exclusive images.
- CazéTV offers a free option on YouTube.
- FIFA+ offers official streaming.
The winner goes down in history as the 2025 intercontinental champion. PSG aims for unprecedented achievement in global club competitions.