The eyes of the footballing world will turn to New York on Saturday as Chelsea take on Paris Saint-Germain in a historic Club World Cup final.
It marks the first time a major international final has been contested between an English and French club and there is a whopping amount of prize money up for grabs.
For Chelsea, it’s a chance to complete a stunning continental comeback story, having won the Europa Conference League this season.
For PSG, it’s the opportunity to cement their global supremacy after a dominant 2025 on the European stage – capped off by a first-ever Champions League triumph.
But with both teams in red-hot form, this final is far from a foregone conclusion, but do the Premier League side have what it takes to dethrone such a dominant side?
The final. 🔜#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/3muhT43Gye
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 11, 2025
History and a new Chapter
Though Chelsea and PSG have faced off eight times previously – all in the Champions League – this is their first meeting in nearly a decade.
The French champions had the upper hand in their last encounters, knocking Chelsea out in the Round of 16 of the 2015-16 Champions League with back-to-back 2-1 wins.
Overall, the head-to-head reads three wins for PSG, two for Chelsea, and three draws. But this time, the stakes are different, and so are the squads.
Both clubs boast exciting, youthful lineups complemented by experienced international performers. And while the historical edge may rest with the Parisians, Chelsea’s pedigree in finals cannot be dismissed.
Since a 3-1 setback against Flamengo in their second group-stage game, Chelsea have been nearly flawless.
The Blues have won four straight in the tournament, conceding just twice and scoring 11 goals in that span. Their run includes a 2-0 semi-final win over Fluminense, with new signing Joao Pedro netting both goals in his first start for the club.
Chelsea are no strangers to silverware either. They’ve won their last five international finals (excluding Super Cups) dating back to 2013 – most recently a 4-1 rout of Real Betis in the Conference League Final this past May.
Their only prior Club World Cup final ended in heartbreak back in 2012, a 1-0 loss to Corinthians.
However, this squad looks hungry and balanced. Enzo Fernandez leads all players in assists at this year’s tournament (3), while Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto have created a flurry of chances across their games.
Nine different players have scored the Blues’ last 10 goals – a testament to the team’s depth and unpredictability that could be handy against the European champions.
🤩#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/G2UWID9oJL
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 11, 2025
PSG’s Unrelenting March
Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain: Line-ups, stats and preview
If Chelsea’s recent form is strong, PSG’s is nothing short of terrifying.
Since a shock 1-0 defeat to Botafogo, the Parisian giants have strung together four straight wins in the tournament without conceding, scoring 12 goals and amassing an xG of 9.49 in that stretch.
Their 16 goals in the competition tie the all-time single-season record.
Their strongest statement came in the semi-final, where they demolished Real Madrid 4-0. Ousmane Dembele – who has been in blistering form in 2025 with 27 goals and 9 assists – scored and assisted in that game proving why he is a frontrunner to win the Ballon d’Or.
They’ve also been dominant early in games. PSG have scored 10 first-half goals in the Club World Cup, second only to Bayern Munich, and generated a staggering 5.85 xG before the interval.
Bradley Barcola has emerged as one of Europe’s most creative forces, notching 18 assists in 2025 – more than any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
And in midfield, Vitinha’s control has been supreme, completing 100+ passes in five Club World Cup matches, unmatched by anyone except Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo (who’s done it twice).
Swipe for a rewind. ➡️ #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/1uTMQRbpWi
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 11, 2025
Key Battles & Players to Watch
Joao Pedro vs PSG’s Back Line
The 22-year-old forward made a thunderous first impression in Chelsea blue with a brace in the semi-final.
He’s now scored seven goals in his last nine starts across Brighton and Chelsea. Pedro could be Chelsea’s X-factor against a PSG defence that hasn’t been tested much of late.
Enzo Fernandez vs Vitinha
In what promises to be a midfield chess match, Fernandez’s ball progression will go toe-to-toe with Vitinha’s composure and control.
Fernandez leads the tournament in assists and is tied for the most among Premier League players in 2025 across all competitions. The outcome may hinge on who dictates the tempo.
Ousmane Dembele vs Malo Gusto
Dembele’s explosiveness on the flank and as a striker has torched defences all year.
Chelsea’s young full-back Gusto will need the game of his life to contain the Frenchman, who has now contributed to 36 goals in 2025 alone – more than any player in Europe’s elite leagues.
Achraf Hakimi’s Overlaps
The Moroccan full-back has quietly been one of PSG’s most consistent contributors, with two goals and two assists in the Club World Cup. His battles with Chelsea’s left side – likely either Ben Chilwell or Levi Colwill – could swing the game.
©️💧#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/j1JFnoNuzV
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 11, 2025
A Match for the Ages?
Beyond the individual talent and tactical intrigue, this final represents something deeper – a clash of ambition and redemption.
Chelsea, once written off earlier in the season, are chasing global glory and validation under a new-look squad.
PSG, long labeled as underachievers on the biggest stages, now look ready to plant their flag as world champions.
It’s a showdown between England and France, between tradition and transformation, between two clubs with something to prove.
And with New York hosting the crescendo of this year’s Club World Cup, one thing is certain, there will be fireworks.
