The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown as Chelsea FC face off against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This historic clash, taking place on Sunday, July 13, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, pits two European giants against each other in the inaugural 32-team edition of the tournament.
With a massive $125 million prize pot and global bragging rights on the line, expect a thrilling battle between the UEFA Conference League champions and the reigning UEFA Champions League winners. Here’s everything you need to know about this tantalizing final.
The Road to the Final
Chelsea’s Journey: Chelsea, under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, have navigated a challenging yet triumphant path to the final. Despite a surprising 3-1 group stage loss to Flamengo and a weather-delayed Round of 16 clash with Benfica, the Blues have shown resilience. Their knockout stage run included a 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica, a 2-1 win against Palmeiras (aided by a late own goal), and a commanding 2-0 semi-final triumph over Fluminense, with new signing João Pedro stealing the show with a brace on his full debut.
Chelsea’s methodical, possession-based style—playing just 4.5% of their passes long, second only to Manchester City—has been complemented by their lethal counter-attacking prowess, with six of their 12 tournament goals coming from fast breaks, three courtesy of Pedro Neto.
However, Chelsea face a fitness concern with midfielder Moises Caicedo, who limped off with an ankle injury in the closing stages against Fluminense. His availability remains uncertain, which could force Maresca to reshuffle his midfield. The Blues’ tactical flexibility and ability to integrate new signings like João Pedro have been key, but they’ll need to be at their absolute best to overcome PSG’s formidable squad.
Never going to tire of watching these highlights 😍 pic.twitter.com/XJTH7Srm9J
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 9, 2025
PSG’s Dominance: PSG, led by Luis Enrique, have been the tournament’s standout team, storming into the final with a 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semi-finals. The Ligue 1 giants, who won the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, have lost just once in the tournament—a group stage upset—and have since been unstoppable.
Their Round of 16 win over Inter Miami (4-0) and quarter-final victory against Bayern Munich (2-0) showcased their attacking flair and defensive solidity, with only one goal conceded throughout the tournament. Fabián Ruiz, Ousmane Dembélé, and Goncalo Ramos were the stars against Real Madrid, with Ruiz netting twice and Dembélé delivering a clinical finish.
PSG’s high-pressing, fluid style, driven by a turbocharged midfield of Vitinha and João Neves and marauding full-backs Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, has overwhelmed opponents. However, suspensions to defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez may force Enrique to adjust his backline.
PSG 🆚 Real Madrid#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/95R6DtGxG0
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 10, 2025
Tactical Breakdown
This final promises a fascinating tactical battle. Chelsea’s controlled possession game, orchestrated by Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, will face a stern test against PSG’s intense pressing (they led the tournament with 366 high-intensity pressures in the final third). Chelsea’s ability to exploit transitions with Neto and João Pedro’s pace could punish PSG if they overcommit, but the Parisians’ rock-solid defense, anchored by Marquinhos and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, has allowed just 0.072 xG per shot faced—the best in the tournament.
PSG’s attacking trio of Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will look to exploit any gaps in Chelsea’s backline, particularly if Caicedo’s absence disrupts their midfield balance. Posts on X highlight Chelsea fans’ concerns about PSG’s athleticism and attacking “sauce,” with Dembélé’s potential to “spin defenders like Beyblades” a particular worry. However, Chelsea’s wide defenders, likely Reece James and Marc Cucurella, are expected to be crucial in tracking PSG’s dynamic wingers and full-backs.
Key Players to Watch
Chelsea: João Pedro
The new signing has been a revelation, scoring twice against Fluminense to secure Chelsea’s place in the final. His versatility to drop deep or stretch defenses gives Maresca options, though Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson could start if a more traditional No. 9 is preferred. Cole Palmer’s creativity and Pedro Neto’s pace will also be vital.
PSG: Ousmane Dembélé
Back from injury, Dembélé was electric against Real Madrid, earning praise from Luis Enrique as PSG’s best player this season. His pace and directness could exploit Chelsea’s high line, while Fabián Ruiz’s goal-scoring instincts and Vitinha’s midfield control will dictate PSG’s tempo.
Head-to-Head History
Chelsea and PSG haven’t met since the 2014-2016 UEFA Champions League knockout stages, where PSG won two of three ties, including a 2-1 victory in 2016. This historical edge, combined with PSG’s current form, makes them slight favorites, but Chelsea’s recent improvement and extra day of rest could level the playing field.
How to Watch
- Date & Time: Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. BST)
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (82,500 capacity)
- TV/Stream: In the UK, the match is free-to-air on Channel 5 (coverage from 7:00 p.m. BST) and streamable on channel5.com and DAZN (from 6:30 p.m. BST, free with registration). In the US, catch it on TNT, truTV, or TelevisaUnivision (Spanish). Global viewers can watch via DAZN or regional broadcasters.
- Tickets: General admission starts at $312.20 via Ticketmaster, with premium resale tickets ranging from $1,400 to $8,000.
- Weather: Expect humid conditions with a high of 83°F (28°C), possible afternoon storms, and intervals of clouds and sun.
Prediction
PSG’s relentless attack and defensive solidity make them favorites, but Chelsea’s counter-attacking threat and tactical discipline under Maresca could keep this tight. If Chelsea can neutralize PSG’s midfield and exploit transitions, they have a chance to upset the odds. However, PSG’s depth and form suggest they’ll edge it.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 PSG
The Champions League winners are likely to claim their first Club World Cup title, but Chelsea’s resilience ensures this will be no walkover.
Final Thoughts
This final is a clash of philosophies: Chelsea’s pragmatic, possession-based approach versus PSG’s high-octane, attacking juggernaut. With the world watching and a massive prize on the line, expect a spectacle that showcases the best of club football. Who will etch their name as the first champions of the expanded Club World Cup? Tune in on Sunday to find out.
