Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are set for an epic showdown in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA. PSG's dominant campaign, scoring 17 goals and conceding just one in six outings, promises an electrifying finale.
Having secured the 2024 UEFA Conference League title, Chelsea seeks to become the first English team to lift the Club World Cup twice, previously triumphing in 2021 against Palmeiras. After a 2-0 win over Fluminense in the semis, coach Enzo Maresca is expected to stick with the effective 4-2-3-1 formation that has seen the Blues navigate a favourable draw.

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s chief creative force, crafting nine open-play chances. His presence in the right-half space will be key in breaking down PSG’s defence, particularly when facing Nuno Mendes.
Moises Caicedo is racing the clock after an ankle twist during the Fluminense semi-final, which forced him off late. His return to training 72 hours before the final is a morale boost. If fit, Caicedo’s grit and tackling in midfield will be crucial to stopping PSG’s trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz. His ball-winning and transition play may blunt PSG’s high press.
Ousmane Dembele has become vital for PSG’s offence. After earlier injury setbacks, he returned to start against Real Madrid and scored in the 4-0 win. His speed, dribbling, and finishing ability make him a threat on the break. Dembele’s full fitness is a major lift, and his knack for big moments could prove decisive in the final.
Fabian Ruiz has also impressed, scoring twice against Real. His control, accurate distribution, and midfield goals are vital. Ruiz’s calmness under pressure will be tested by Chelsea’s engine room of Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea’s injury management has been decent, but a few issues persist. Moises Caicedo’s ankle remains the biggest concern, though his return to training hints he might play. Romeo Lavia, out since the Benfica clash with a muscle issue, is doubtful and training separately. Benoit Badiashile also suffered an injury versus Benfica and is likely out. On the bright side, Liam Delap and Levi Colwill return from semi-final suspensions. Nicolas Jackson, suspended after a red against Flamengo, is now available but may start on the bench after Joao Pedro’s brace. Wesley Fofana, Mykhaylo Mudryk remain sidelined, and Reece James, though back in training, is unlikely to start.
PSG’s squad is mostly fit, with few injury worries, but suspensions create problems. No fresh injuries have been reported, giving Luis Enrique a near-full squad to pick from. However, defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez are ruled out due to two-match bans from their red cards against Bayern in the quarters. Their absence challenges PSG’s defensive options, but Lucas Beraldo’s solid outing versus Real Madrid indicates their backline still holds promise.
Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Joao Pedro; Pedro Neto
PSG Predicted XI (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia