Paris Saint-Germain faces the Copa Intercontinental final against Flamengo this Wednesday, December 17th, at 8pm local time on Catar, in the Estádio Ahmad bin The French team arrives with the confirmed absence of right-back Achraf Hakimi, who is recovering from a sprained ankle and did not travel with the delegation. Além Furthermore, defender Marquinhos and attacker Ousmane Dembélé are closely monitored by the medical department, following recent injury and virus problems, respectively.
The decision marks the confrontation between the champion of Champions League and the winner of Copa Libertadores, in a tournament that replaces the traditional format of the annual Mundial and Clubes. PSG enters directly into the final as the European representative, while Flamengo overcame preliminary stages to reach the title dispute.
Coach Luis Enrique listed 22 players for the clash, including Brazilians Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo. The absence of Hakimi represents a significant loss in defense, forcing tactical adjustments on the right flank.
In addition to the absence of right-back Hakimi, PSG has two players who are not 100% before the Intercontinental final, against Flamengo: defender Marquinhos and striker Dembélé.
— Planeta from Futebol 🌎 (@futebol_info)December 15, 2025
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Team preparation
PSG arrived at Catar on Sunday, after a 3-2 victory over Metz for Campeonato Francês. The delegation held the first training on Monday at Centro of Treinamento Al Ersal, with a session closed to the press. Outro training is scheduled for Tuesday, with part open to journalists.
Flamengo is already adapted to the time zone and local climate, having played previous games in the same stadium. The red-and-black team secured a place in the final by beating Pyramids 2-0, with goals from defenders. The players show confidence for the confrontation against the French team.
- Flamengo beat Cruz Azul 2-1 in the previous phase.
- Afterwards, he beat Pyramids and also secured the Copa Challenger title.
- The Rio team ended the national season with victories in the Libertadores and the Brasileiro.
PSG’s medical situation
Hakimi remains in recovery at Marrocos and is not part of the group at Catar. Marquinhos, team captain, overcame a hip injury and was listed, but his participation depends on final evaluation. Dembélé returns after the virus that kept him away from recent commitments and is available to the coach.
Luis Enrique highlighted the importance of managing athletes’ conditioning within a tight schedule. The recent marathon of travel and games influenced lineup decisions. The French squad is looking for the first intercontinental title in its history.
Striker Gonçalo Ramos and names like Kvaratskhelia and Barcola complement the offensive options. In defense, Willian Pacho and Illia Zabarnyi are alternatives for the sector.
Path to the final
Flamengo reached the final after convincing victories in the knockout stages. The team beat Cruz Azul in Derby of Américas and then the African representative. Arrascaeta stood out with decisive assists in games at Catar.
PSG spared starters in recent rounds of Ligue 1 to prioritize preparation. The team leads the Campeonato Francês and comes from the title in the Champions League, with a rout over the Inter of Milão.
- Related goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Matvey Safonov and Renato Marin.
- Defenders include Lucas Beraldo, Marquinhos, and Nuno Mendes.
- In attack, options like Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué.
Tournament structure
Copa Intercontinental brings together continental champions in a lean format. The European representative enters directly into the final, while the others compete in preliminary brackets. The Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, used in the Copa of the 2022 Mundo, has capacity for 44 thousand fans.
The prize includes significant amounts for champion and runner-up. The winner receives approximately US$5 million, while the runner-up receives US$4 million.
The clash represents the first official competitive meeting between PSG and Flamengo. Histórico of friendlies recorded games in the 1970s and 1990s, with balanced results.
Tactical options
Luis Enrique must opt for a formation with three defenders or adjustments on the side without Hakimi. Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz anchor the midfield, with João Neves as a creation option. In attack, the speed of Barcola and Kvaratskhelia can exploit counterattacks.
On the red and black side, Filipe Luís has a complete cast adapted to the location. Solid defense and quick transitions have marked previous victories.
PSG holds a press conference on Tuesday before training at the final stadium. The team returns to França shortly after the game to resume national commitments.
Broadcast details
The match will be broadcast on Globo, SporTV, ge TV and CazéTV on Brasil. No Catar, local time makes it easier for fans to attend. Ingressos range from affordable prices to premium categories.
The tournament serves as a bridge to the expanded Mundial of Clubes in 2026. Clubes participants guarantee a place in future editions.
- PSG associates count on young people like Senny Mayulu.
- Ibrahim Mbaye and Quentin Ndjantou are part of the group.
- The delegation prioritizes recovery after long trips.
Expectations for the duel
PSG is looking for an unprecedented trophy in intercontinental competitions. Flamengo aims for its second world championship, after winning it in 1981. The clash balances forces between recent continental champions.
Catar’s adaptation to the hot climate benefits Flamengo, who has been present for longer. PSG compensates with individual quality in several sectors.
The stadium offers a modern structure for the decision. Fifa has concentrated events at Oriente Médio in recent years.
The final closes the 2025 calendar for both teams. The result influences planning for the next season.
