Club World Cup Final Preview: Chelsea and PSG battle for glory

Chelsea face off against Paris Saint-Germain in a clash that’s got everything: star power, tactical chess, and a cool $125 million on the line for the winner. This isn’t just a game; it’s a party, the first time two European teams have duked it out in this tournament’s final since its revamp. So, grab your scarf, settle in, and let’s break down why this match is the one you can’t miss.

The Club World Cup has reached its boiling point!

All set for the Final on Sunday 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KzjFlvm1BU

— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 10, 2025

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Where and When to Catch the Action

You don’t want to miss a second of this. The final’s going down at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a venue that’s basically football royalty, set to host the 2026 World Cup final. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. ET, or 8 p.m. BST for those across the pond. If you’re watching from home, DAZN’s got you covered, with TNT and truTV also broadcasting in the U.S.

Want to be there in person? For once, dynamic pricing is sending ticket prices soaring, starting at $312.20 on FIFA’s official site via Ticketmaster, but if you’re eyeing premium seats on the resale market, brace yourself: prices are climbing as high as $8,000.

Steep, but some fans must see their team in the final. This tournament’s been a wild ride, stretching across 12 U.S. venues from June 14 to now. From Miami to Seattle, fans have packed stadiums, proving soccer’s got a foothold in America. And with MetLife’s massive capacity, expect a sea of blue and red jerseys creating an atmosphere that’ll give you chills.

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Chelsea’s Road to Glory

Enzo Maresca’s squad has been a machine in this tournament, tearing through the group stage with nine goals and only one conceded. They dispatched Palmeiras 3-1 in the quarter-finals and then shut out Fluminense 2-0 in the semis on July 8. You know what’s scary? Chelsea’s got this knack for keeping the ball, with less than 5% of their passes going long. It’s like watching a painter craft a masterpiece, stroke by stroke, until they hit you with a lightning-fast counter-attack.

They’ve scored six goals on the break, and that’s no fluke. Maresca, who cut his teeth under Pep Guardiola, has Chelsea playing like a well-oiled engine. They build from the back, stringing passes that lull opponents into a trance before striking. But here’s the thing: can they keep that cool against PSG’s relentless pressure? It’s like trying to play chess while someone’s shaking the board.

💬 Ahead of the Club World Cup Final, Chelsea's Levi Colwill addressed the challenge of facing PSG pic.twitter.com/8yf6tVr1Tr

— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 11, 2025

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PSG’s Path of Destruction

Luis Enrique’s boys have been straight-up ruthless. They cruised through their group, then edged out Bayern Munich 2-1 in the quarters before dropping a 4-0 hammer on Real Madrid in the semis on July 9. Four-nil against Real Madrid! That’s not just a win; it’s a statement.

PSG’s conceded just one goal all tournament, and they’ve got 10 different players finding the net. Ten! That’s depth that makes you jealous. Enrique’s got PSG pressing like their lives depend on it, winning the ball high and turning defense into attack faster than you can say “croissant.” Their midfield, anchored by João Neves and Vitinha, is a fortress, and their attack is a fireworks show. But can they crack Chelsea’s stubborn defense? That’s the million-dollar question. Well, actually, the $125 million question.

💬 Nuno Mendes addresses the Club World Cup Final against Chelsea and the challenge of facing Enzo Maresca's team: "It's going to be a difficult game, we will have to give it all. They're a great team with young players, and our objective will be to come humble, do what we need… pic.twitter.com/lSRxgZuMjs

— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 11, 2025

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The Tactical Tug-of-War

This game’s gonna be a battle of brains as much as brawn. Chelsea’s all about control, keeping the ball like it’s their best friend, weaving patterns that’d make a seamstress jealous. Their low long-pass rate means they’re patient, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

But PSG? They’re the opposite, like a pack of wolves hunting in sync, pressing high to steal the ball and unleash chaos. It’s like watching a slow-cooked stew go up against a spicy chili. Chelsea’s six counter-attack goals show they can flip the script in a heartbeat, but PSG’s defense, which has barely blinked, might shut that down. Meanwhile, PSG’s 10 goalscorers mean they can hurt you from anywhere. If Chelsea can keep possession and avoid turnovers, they might frustrate PSG. But if PSG’s press forces mistakes, it could be a long day for the Blues. Who’s gonna blink first?

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Key Players

For Chelsea, Cole Palmer’s the guy. He’s got that magic touch, creating chances out of thin air, like a street magician pulling rabbits from hats. Wingers Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto are pure electricity, zipping down the flanks, while Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson bring the muscle up top. Jackson’s had his moments of, let’s say, over-enthusiasm, but when he’s on, he’s a nightmare for defenders.

As for PSG, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue have been their sharpshooters, finishing chances with ice-cold precision. João Neves and Vitinha run the midfield like air traffic controllers, while Fabián Ruiz adds steel. And then there’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian wizard who can dribble through a phone booth. Honestly, picking a standout is like choosing your favorite song at a concert. They’re all bangers.

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Team News: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Chelsea’s got a clean bill of health, with no major injuries reported. Maresca’s likely to stick with his trusted 4-2-3-1, with Palmer pulling the strings behind Jackson. The only question mark is whether Delap gets the nod over Jackson, who’s been a bit card-happy lately. On the backline, expect Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill to hold the fort, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez ready to make those clutch saves.

PSG’s also looking sharp, with no significant absences. Enrique’s 4-3-3 will see Doue leading the line, flanked by Kvaratskhelia and maybe Ousmane Dembele for extra pace. The midfield trio of Neves, Vitinha, and Ruiz is locked in, and Gianluigi Donnarumma is between the sticks, ready to swat away anything Chelsea throws at him. Both teams are loaded, and it’s anyone’s game.

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The stakes are massive. Both teams have already pocketed $30 million just for reaching the final, but the winner’s walking away with up to $125 million. That’s not pocket change; that’s build-a-new-training-ground money. The tournament’s $1 billion prize pool is split with $406 million for participation and $368 million for performance, plus $200 million in solidarity payments.

It’s a financial flex that shows FIFA’s going all-in on this competition. For Chelsea, a win adds the Club World Cup to their trophy case, alongside their two Champions League titles. It’s the final piece of the puzzle. For PSG, it’s a chance to prove they’re more than just Ligue 1’s big spenders, silencing the doubters who say they can’t cut it on the global stage. Who’s hungrier?

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Whilst many, including myself, see the new tournament as overkill in an already crowded season, the Club World Cup’s new 32-team format has at least put clubs like Al Ahly, Botafogo, and Al-Hilal on the same stage as Europe’s elite.

It’s a glimpse of football’s global future, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming. Hosting this in the U.S., where soccer’s still playing catch-up with the NFL and NBA, is a big deal.

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By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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