The 2025 Club World Cup final is set to be a landmark in football, with Chelsea facing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this Sunday, July 13, at 4:00 PM (Brasília time) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. The match will crown the first champion of the tournament’s new 32-team format. Chelsea’s coach, Enzo Maresca, discussed lineup expectations in a press conference, confirming Brazilian João Pedro as a starter and Ecuadorian Moisés Caicedo as a key player, despite slight concerns over a recent injury. The game, featuring stars from both sides, is anticipated by millions worldwide. It will be broadcast live on Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, and DAZN, ensuring wide coverage.
Chelsea reached the final after a strong campaign, defeating teams like Palmeiras and Fluminense, while PSG impressed with a 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid in the semifinals. The presence of Brazilian players, such as João Pedro and Andrey Santos for Chelsea, and Marquinhos and Beraldo for PSG, adds a special touch to the clash.
- Final highlights:
- First Club World Cup with 32 teams.
- Chelsea aims for a second title, after winning in 2021 against Palmeiras.
- PSG seeks a historic first trophy, buoyed by a dominant campaign.
The match is expected to be tightly contested, with Chelsea relying on defensive solidity and PSG banking on their potent attack, led by players like Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia.
Come and support us in New York in Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final! 👊🔵
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 9, 2025
Maresca’s strategic lineup
Chelsea’s coach, Enzo Maresca, faces the challenge of assembling a team to neutralize PSG’s formidable attack. In Friday’s press conference on July 11, he confirmed that João Pedro, the Brazilian striker who scored twice in the semifinal against Fluminense, will be the main attacking reference. The recent signing outshone Liam Delap and is set to start.
On Moisés Caicedo, Maresca was more reserved. The Ecuadorian midfielder suffered an ankle sprain in the semifinal but trained and is likely to be fit. “He’s vital to our tactics. We’ll assess until the last moment, but I’m optimistic,” the coach said. If Caicedo is unavailable, Brazilian Andrey Santos is the top midfield alternative.
Chelsea is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive stability and quick transitions. The probable lineup includes: Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo (or Andrey Santos), Fernández; Nkunku, Palmer, Neto; João Pedro.
João Pedro: Chelsea’s new star
João Pedro, 23, has emerged as one of Chelsea’s breakout stars this season. After spells at Watford and Brighton, the former Fluminense player joined the London club to bolster the attack. His two goals against his former team in the semifinal secured Chelsea’s place in the final.
Known for his skill in tight spaces and finishing ability, João Pedro was praised by Maresca for his game-changing movement. “He’s built to decide matches. His positioning is a game-changer,” the coach noted. While PSG is likely to play an open game, João Pedro’s versatility keeps him ahead of competitors.
His starting role reflects Chelsea’s investment in young talent. Alongside Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto, João Pedro forms a dynamic attacking trio set to challenge PSG’s defense.
Midfield concerns and challenges
Moisés Caicedo’s potential absence is a worry for Chelsea. Signed for €116 million, the Ecuadorian is central to Maresca’s system, balancing defense and attack. His availability is crucial to counter PSG’s creative midfield of Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz.
If Caicedo can’t play, 21-year-old Andrey Santos could step up. The former Vasco da Gama star has shown promise in training and prior matches. His energy and tackling could help against PSG’s fast-paced attack.
- Chelsea’s midfield options:
- Moisés Caicedo: preferred starter, recovering from injury.
- Andrey Santos: young, promising backup.
- Enzo Fernández: fixed in playmaking, with 17 assists this season.
- Essugo: defensive option, less likely to start.
PSG’s strength and key absences
PSG enters the final as favorites after a near-flawless campaign, winning five of six matches. Their 4-0 rout of Real Madrid showcased their attacking prowess, with Dembélé (35 goals this season) and Kvaratskhelia leading the tournament’s top-scoring offense with 16 goals.
However, PSG faces defensive challenges. Center-back Willian Pacho and full-back Lucas Hernández are suspended after red cards in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich. Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo will form the center-back pairing, facing a tough test against Chelsea’s speedy attack.
Presnel Kimpembe is also doubtful with a muscle injury, further limiting PSG’s defensive options. Chelsea could exploit these gaps with counter-attacks.
Head-to-head history
Chelsea and PSG have met eight times, all in the UEFA Champions League, with a balanced record: three PSG wins, two Chelsea victories, and three draws. Their last clash, in the 2015/16 round of 16, saw PSG win 2-1.
This will be their first meeting in an international final, adding a new chapter to a heated European rivalry.
New Club World Cup format
The 2025 Club World Cup is the first with 32 teams, mirroring the World Cup format. Held in the USA, it serves as a test for the 2026 World Cup, with MetLife Stadium also hosting matches.
Four Brazilian clubs competed: Fluminense, Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Botafogo. Only Fluminense reached the semifinals, falling to Chelsea. PSG faced Botafogo in the group stage, suffering their only defeat.
- 2025 Club World Cup stats:
- PSG: 5 wins, 1 loss, 16 goals scored, 1 conceded.
- Chelsea: 4 wins, 1 loss, 12 goals scored, 4 conceded.
- Expected attendance: around 82,500 at MetLife Stadium.
Match expectations
The final promises a tactical battle between contrasting styles. PSG’s Luis Enrique favors possession and rapid transitions, while Maresca’s Chelsea emphasizes defensive organization and counter-attacks.
Chelsea boasts 13 wins in their last 15 matches, showing consistency. PSG won 10 of their last 11, with their attack scoring 12 goals in the last four games. Chelsea’s defense, conceding just one goal in the tournament, faces a stern test against the competition’s best offense.
Brazilian presence
The final features a strong Brazilian contingent. Chelsea’s João Pedro and Andrey Santos represent the country’s next generation, while PSG’s Marquinhos, the captain, and Lucas Beraldo are key figures.
Marquinhos, with 47 appearances and three goals this season, is PSG’s leader. Beraldo, formerly of São Paulo, has played 37 matches and won seven titles with PSG, including the Champions League. Their experience and youth will be vital against Chelsea’s attack.
Broadcast and coverage
The final will be widely accessible in Brazil. Globo airs it on free-to-air TV with narration by Luís Roberto. SporTV provides detailed coverage with tactical analysis. Streaming options include CazéTV on YouTube and DAZN, which offers a 30-day free trial.
Outlets like Imprensa 24h and Somos Fanáticos will provide minute-by-minute updates and post-match analysis. US President Donald Trump is expected to attend, highlighting the event’s global significance.
Weather and game conditions
Sunday’s forecast in New Jersey predicts partly cloudy skies with low chances of rain. Temperatures around 25°C are ideal for football. Unlike earlier matches disrupted by weather, the final should proceed smoothly.
Prize money and prestige
The 2025 Club World Cup winner will earn substantial prize money and the prestige of being the first champion of the expanded format. FIFA estimates the tournament will generate millions in revenue, with finalists receiving sums comparable to the Champions League.
For Chelsea, victory would cement Maresca’s young project, already Conference League champions. For PSG, it would fulfill a historic dream, capping a season with five trophies.
