2025 Club World Cup Final: Chelsea vs PSG lineup confirmed in NJ

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will take the field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 4:00 PM (Brasília time) to compete in the final of the first 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. The confirmed lineups feature Cole Palmer and Dembélé as key players, in a match promising intensity and tactical balance with both teams using a 4-3-3 formation. Under Enzo Maresca’s leadership, Chelsea aims for their second world title, while PSG, led by Luis Enrique, seeks their first global trophy after an unbeaten season. The game, featuring a halftime show with J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems, will be broadcast live on TV Globo, sportv, ge, and globoplay. Security has been tightened in Paris following incidents during prior PSG celebrations, aiming for a peaceful and historic final.

Chelsea, fourth in the Premier League and Conference League champions, face a dominant PSG, who won the Champions League and every competition in the 2024/25 season. Both teams arrive with strong campaigns in the Club World Cup, excelling in high intensity and efficiency in attack and defense.

• Final highlights:
• 4-3-3 tactical formation for both teams.
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea) and Dembélé (PSG) as number 10s.
• Halftime show featuring J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems.
• Live broadcast across multiple platforms.

Lineups and tactical strategies

The confirmed lineups reveal bold choices by Enzo Maresca and Luis Enrique, both opting for a 4-3-3 to maximize speed and creativity in attack. Chelsea fields Robert Sánchez in goal, with Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, and Cucurella in defense. The midfield consists of Caicedo, Reece James, and Enzo Fernández, while Palmer, João Pedro, and Pedro Neto lead the attack. PSG counters with Donnarumma in goal, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, and Nuno Mendes in defense, Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz in midfield, and Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia up front.

The 4-3-3 formation reflects both coaches’ philosophies, prioritizing possession and quick transitions. Chelsea relies on Palmer’s versatility, with 12 goals in the Premier League, while PSG banks on the dynamism of Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, who scored 18 goals combined in the Champions League. Defensive intensity, with Chelsea averaging 2.2 yellow cards and PSG 0.8 per game, suggests a competitive but fair match.

• Key players on the pitch:
• Cole Palmer: Chelsea’s number 10, leader in assists.
• Dembélé: Speed and dribbling in PSG’s attack.
• Enzo Fernández: Midfield control for Chelsea.
• Kvaratskhelia: Decisive finishing for PSG.
• Marquinhos: Defensive solidity for PSG.

Head-to-head history

Chelsea and PSG have faced each other eight times, all in the UEFA Champions League, with PSG holding a slight edge, winning three matches to Chelsea’s two, plus three draws. Their last encounter, in 2016, saw PSG win 2-1 in the Champions League round of 16. The rivalry, which began in 2004, reflects both clubs’ rise as European powerhouses, fueled by significant investments in the 21st century.

Chelsea aims to repeat their 2021 success, when they defeated Palmeiras 2-1 in the Club World Cup. PSG, making their first appearance in a world final, brings confidence from an unbeaten season, with 48 wins in 64 games and 168 goals scored. Their knockout stage experience, with Chelsea beating Palmeiras and Fluminense and PSG eliminating Bayern and Real Madrid, promises a balanced duel.

Club World Cup campaigns

In the group stage, Chelsea finished second in Group D with six points, trailing Flamengo. The English side advanced with convincing wins: 4-1 over Benfica in the round of 16, 2-1 against Palmeiras in the quarterfinals, and 2-0 against Fluminense in the semifinals. PSG topped Group B, tied with Atlético de Madrid and Botafogo but advancing on tiebreakers. In the knockouts, the French side crushed Inter Miami 4-0, defeated Bayern 2-0, and routed Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinals, showcasing offensive strength.

FIFA statistics highlight both teams’ intensity. Chelsea averages 8.5 shots per game and 6.7 corners, while PSG records 7.8 shots and 5.2 corners. Defensively, Chelsea conceded 64 goals in 63 games this season, while PSG allowed 56 in 64 matches.

• Tournament performance:
• Chelsea: 4 wins, 8.5 shots per game.
• PSG: 5 wins, 168 goals in the season.
• Chelsea: 2-0 against Fluminense in the semifinals.
• PSG: 4-0 against Real Madrid in the semifinals.

Historic event at MetLife

The final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey marks the conclusion of the first 32-team Club World Cup, with 62 games played. The same venue will host the 2026 World Cup final, underscoring its global significance. FIFA introduced a Super Bowl-style halftime show featuring J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, to attract a worldwide audience.

Security has been strengthened in Paris after incidents during PSG’s Champions League celebrations. The French club issued a public call for fans to celebrate peacefully, aiming to avoid disruptions during the final. An expected crowd of 82,000 fills MetLife Stadium, with tickets sold out since May.

Expectations and global impact

The matchup pits two of modern football’s wealthiest and most influential clubs, dubbed “new money” due to their investments since the 2000s. Chelsea, with 40 wins in 63 games this season, seeks to cement its global reputation after the Conference League title. PSG, unbeaten in French competitions and the Champions League, sees the Club World Cup as a chance to establish dominance.

The final also carries cultural weight, with FIFA promoting initiatives like the iconic photo of Palmer and Dembélé at the Rockefeller Center, recreating a historic construction image. The multi-platform broadcast, including TV Globo and globoplay, is expected to reach millions, with peak viewership in Brazil and Europe.

• Factors boosting anticipation:
• MetLife Stadium packed with 82,000 fans.
• Halftime show featuring global artists.
• Historic rivalry since 2004.
• First Club World Cup with 32 teams.