More than just the glitter of silverware is on the line in New York as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) collide in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final.
With over £100 million in prize money at stake and a chance to write their names into footballing folklore, both teams enter this clash with something historic to fight for.
Chelsea – Underdogs Turned Contenders
Coming into the tournament without the fanfare of favourites, Chelsea have grown in stature with each passing game.
Their 2-0 win over Fluminense in the semi-final marked a fifth victory from six matches at the CWC (L1), a run that has propelled them to their second CWC final, having won their maiden title back in 2021.
With Enzo Maresca overseeing this evolution in his debut season, Chelsea are hitting their stride at just the right time.
The young Blues, whose average starting age in the Premier League was the youngest in the league, have shown maturity beyond their years on the global stage.
Having now won 13 of their last 15 competitive fixtures (L2), belief in camp is sky-high, and the players appear eager to pull off one final upset against the mighty PSG.
PSG – Chasing Immortality
For Paris Saint-Germain, this final could be the final jewel in a crown of dominance.
After sweeping up Ligue 1, both domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League, Luis Enrique’s side could complete an unprecedented quintuple.
This feat would cement their 2024/25 campaign among the greatest in Football history.
PSG’s 4-0 semi-final rout of Real Madrid was nothing short of breathtaking and extended their winning streak to 10 wins in their last 11 games (L1).
Even more impressive is their current run of four consecutive victories with clean sheets, a testament to their newfound defensive steel and elite attacking flair.
The French giants are favourites here, and rightfully so, but they will know Chelsea can’t be taken lightly.
Head-to-Head History
Total Meetings: 8
PSG Wins: 3
Chelsea Wins: 2
Draws : 3
PSG are unbeaten in the last four encounters (W2, D2), having edged tight UCL knockout ties in the mid-2010s.
The tactical tension and big-game familiarity between these clubs could once again define this final.
Hot Stats & Trends
• Chelsea have scored one goal or fewer inside 90 minutes in 5 of their last 6 games vs European opponents.
• The Blues have attempted more shots than any other team at this tournament (100).
• PSG have won five of their last seven games by a margin of 3+ goals.
• PSG were leading at half-time in six of their last eight games.
Players to watch
🔵 João Pedro (Chelsea)
The Brazilian forward was the star of the semi-final, netting a brace and announcing himself as a future star at Stamford Bridge.
With 16 of his last 19 club goals arriving after half-time, João Pedro could be a difference-maker late in the game.
🔴 Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
The French winger is in electric form, scoring in both the quarter and semi-finals.
He’s already found the net against Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal this season, and Chelsea will be wary of his ability to exploit space out wide.
Team News
Moisés Caicedo is a doubt after picking up a knock in the semi-final.
Nicolas Jackson returns from suspension, boosting attacking options.
For PSG, Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández are suspended.
No fresh injury concerns, but Enrique may rotate defensively.
Tactical Outlook
Expect Chelsea to keep a compact 4-2-3-1 shape, looking to frustrate PSG’s intricate build-up and hit quickly on the break via Cole Palmer and João Pedro.
The midfield battle will be key, especially if Caicedo is fit, as PSG’s trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabián Ruiz aim to control tempo.
PSG, meanwhile, will push high and seek to dominate possession.
They’ve shown a ruthless edge in transition, and with Doué and Kvarashkelia operating on the flanks, Chelsea’s full-backs could have a long evening.
Potential Lineups:
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Enzo, Neto; Joao Pedro.
PSG: 4-1-2-3 – Donnarumma; Hakimi, Maquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Vitinha; Neves, Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvarashkelia.
Where to watch:
United Kingdom: DAZN (Free)
United States: DAZN (Free)
Canada: DAZN (Free)
India: DAZN (Free)
Australia: DAZN (Free)
Nigeria: SuperSports
Conclusion
Chelsea have heart, momentum, and the tactical nous to make this a real contest, but they have to be wary of PSG’s star power, experience, and depth.
I will go with my heart, 1-0 Chelsea. And the new World Champions.
