PSG's Ousmane Dembele (L) and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez (R).
Credit: Reuters Photo
European champions Paris Saint-Germain will face a resurgent Chelsea on Sunday in the final of FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup, capping off a month-long tournament in the United States that, while sparking debates over its calendar and conditions, has delivered sporting drama, replete with euphoria and heartbreaks.
The French and English powerhouses, two of the richest clubs in world football, are now poised to compete for the honour of being the first champions of this expanded competition—an event created with the promise of revolutionising club football and serving as a curtain-raiser for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The final, slated to kick-off at mid-day local time at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, comes after a tournament defined by shocks, one that saw the surprise exits of Manchester City and Inter Milan at the hands of underdogs Al Hilal and Fluminense respectively.
PSG enter the final in scintillating form, having won seven of their last eight matches without conceding a single goal. Luis Enrique’s side demonstrated their high-pressing, attacking style to devastating effect in their 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid in the semi-finals, where two early turnovers forced by their relentless press led to a commanding two-goal lead within nine minutes.
Fresh off their maiden Champions League triumph, the Parisians are chasing their first world title, led by a manager who has replaced departed stars with a youthful, dynamic team committed to his total football ethos.
Vitinha, who has been orchestrating PSG's play from his midfield role has been pivotal to their success, while fullbacks Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi have provided blistering width and pace.
In attack, Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembele, who has had a terrific season, has shone the brightest, scoring crucial goals and providing important assists to teammates. The team's defensive solidity has been equally remarkable, with their high turnover rate proving instrumental to their attacking threat.
Adding to PSG's formidable aura is their manager's own history: Luis Enrique has never lost a one-off club final, winning all 11 he has contested.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have endured a far more arduous journey. The Blues arrived in the United States as winners of Europe's third-tier Conference League after a severely disappointing domestic season that saw them crawl to a top-four finish. For manager Enzo Maresca, who has understandably faced scrutiny and crticism over Chelsea's domestic performances despite spending hundreds of millions, the Club World Cup final offers a chance at redemption.
That said, the Blues have rallied impressively throughout the tournament, their campaign bolstered by the mid-tournament addition of Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Brazilian forward, who has formed an exciting partnership with the ice-cool Cole Palmer, proved decisive in their semi-final against Fluminense, netting twice against his childhood team. Behind Chelsea's attack, the formidable midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, and Moises Caicedo have excelled at breaking up play and exploiting transitional spaces.
While PSG remain strong favourites, Chelsea's resurgence should not be trivialised, and the final promises to be a thrilling watch for fans and neutrals alike.
When is the Club World Cup final?
For viewers in India, the Club World Cup final will take place a little after midnight, at 12.30 am on Monday, July 14.
Where to watch the Club World Cup final?
The Club World Cup final can be livestreamed at DAZN.