The stage is set for a mouthwatering showdown tonight as Chelsea face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the final of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup expanded edition at the MetLife Stadium. The match kicks off at 8PM BST, July 13, 2025, with both clubs naming strong starting lineups for the grand finale.
✅ Chelsea Starting XI (4‑2‑3‑1)
Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
Defenders: Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella
Midfield (Double Pivot): Reece James (Captain), Moisés Caicedo
Attacking Midfield: Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto
Striker: João Pedro
Substitutes: Jørgensen, Penders, Slonina, Acheampong, Anselmino, Sarr, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dewsbury‑Hall, Lavia, Santos, George, Nkunku, Delap, Guiu, Jackson.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has opted for a balanced midfield, with Reece James partnering Moisés Caicedo, who returns fully fit following an injury scare in the semi-final. Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto are expected to provide creativity and width, while João Pedro leads the line.
✅ PSG Starting XI (4‑3‑3)
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos (Captain), Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes
Midfield: Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Fabian Ruiz
Forwards: Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Substitutes: Safonov, Tenas, Kimpembe, Kamara, Lee Kang-in, Zaire-Emery, Moscardo, Mayulu, Barcola, Mbaye, Gonçalo Ramos.
PSG manager Luis Enrique has retained the same XI that dismantled Real Madrid 4‑0 in the semi-final, showing faith in a high-pressing, fast-paced system led by Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia.
🔎 Key Highlights & Tactical Expectations
Chelsea’s captain Reece James will feature in midfield rather than his usual right-back position.
PSG’s Lucas Hernández and Willian Pacho remain suspended, forcing continuity in the backline.
All eyes will be on Cole Palmer, whose creative spark could be decisive for Chelsea.
PSG’s attacking trio of Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia is tipped to test Chelsea’s defense with relentless pace and dribbling.
🕗 Match Details
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Time: 8:00PM BST
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA
Football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate this elite clash, with former US President Donald Trump among the high-profile spectators expected at the stadium.
