NEWS: PSG vs Chelsea: FIFA Club World Cup final – teams, start, lineups….

🏟️ Match Overview

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sunday, July 13, 2025, with kickoff at 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM BST / 9:00 PM CEST) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
  • Teams: Chelsea (UEFA Conference League winners) vs Paris Saint‑Germain (UEFA Champions League winners)—an all-European final, a first in Club World Cup history.
  • Referee: Australian official Alireza Faghani, supported by a multinational officiating crew, including VAR led by Bastian Dankert.

🔄 Tournament Journey

  • Chelsea: Advanced past LAFC and Flamengo in group stage, then beat Benfica, Palmeiras (2–1), and Fluminense (2–0), with standout goals from new signing João Pedro.
  • PSG: Dominant from the group phase, overcoming Atlético Madrid and Seattle Sounders, then dispatching Inter Miami, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid—highlighted by a stunning 4–0 semifinal performance featuring Ousmane Dembél.

📝 Team News & Selection Updates

PSG Updates:

  • Suspensions rule out Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho.
  • Ousmane Dembélé returned from injury and is expected to start after his explosive semifinal showing

Chelsea Updates:

  • Liam Delap and Levi Colwill are back from suspension and expected to feature.
  • Reece James pushing for fitness and a possible return to the starting XI.
  • Moisés Caicedo suffered an ankle issue in the semis but is training and expected to be available.
  • Romeo Lavia remains sidelined.

🔮 Probable Starting Lineups

Sources base these lineups on recent team news, player availability, and tactical form.

Paris Saint‑Germain (likely 4‑3‑3)

  • GK: Donnarumma
  • Defence: Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes
  • Midfield: Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, João Neves
  • Attack: Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Chelsea (likely 4‑2‑3‑1)

  • GK: Robert Sánchez
  • Defence: James or Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill or Adarabioyo, Cucurella
  • Midfield: Caicedo (or Andrey Santos) and Enzo Fernández
  • Attacking Trio: Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Neto, with João Pedro leading the line. Delap possible central striker if fit

⚔️ Key Matchups & Players to Watch

  • Caicedo vs PSG: John Obi Mikel named Caicedo as the only Chelsea player he believes would crack PSG’s starting eleven, emphasizing his influence in midfield.
  • PSG Attack: With Dembélé, Doué, and Kvaratskhelia leading the front line, Chelsea’s full-backs face a major test .
  • Chelsea Midfield Balance: Enzo Fernández’s playmaking and Caicedo’s engine will be vital in controlling possession and disrupting PSG’s rhythm .

📺 How to Watch

United States

  • Free global streaming on DAZN (registration required)
  • Also airing on TNT and truTV, and Spanish-language coverage via TUDN United Kingdom
  • Channel 5 (free TV) and online via Channel5.com, with DAZN’s ‘Freemium’ option also available

Other Regions

  • Streaming may be available via Telecinco / mitele.es (for Spain) and DAZN globally

✅ Final Thoughts

This final isn’t just about crowning the Club World Cup champion—it’s a clash of trajectories. Chelsea aims to prove its newfound identity under Enzo Maresca, while PSG seeks to cap an extraordinary season with a sixth major trophy. Expect tactical intrigue, individual battles, and high stakes.

Let me know if you’d like squad depth analysis, betting odds, or in-stadium info!