PSG face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, kicking off at 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. BST / 12:30 IST). Chelsea vs PSG lineups for the Club World Cup Final 2025 revealed. Get the full starting XI, top players to watch, and tactical overview before kickoff in New Jersey.
Paris Saint-Germain’s starting XI is likely to remain the same after their impressive semi-final victory over Real Madrid. With Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández suspended, Marquinhos and Beraldo will anchor the defence. In midfield, Vitinha, Ruiz, and João Neves will take control, while the attacking trio of Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia will operate in a 4-3-3 formation.
Chelsea’s likely lineup is a 4-2-3-1 formation. Sánchez will be in goal, with Reece James returning to right-back. The central defence will consist of Chalobah and Colwill.
In midfield, Caicedo and Fernández will form the pivot. The attacking midfielders will be Neto, Palmer, and Nkunku, supporting striker João Pedro, who scored twice in the semi-final to earn the starting position ahead of the suspended Liam Delap.
PSG has reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup for the FIFA Club World Cup title. After winning their second Champions League trophy in 2021, Chelsea went on to claim their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup title.
Chelsea vs PSG Lineups 2025 FIFA World Cup
- Match: FIFA Club World Cup Final – Chelsea vs Paris Saint‑Germain
- Date & Kick‑off Time: Sunday, 13 July 2025 – 3 p.m. ET / 20:00 BST / 12:30 IST.
| Team | Formation | Starting XI |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 4‑2‑3‑1 | GK: Sánchez RB: Reece James CB: Trevoh Chalobah CB: Levi Colwill LB: Cucurella CM: Moisés Caicedo CM: Enzo Fernández RW: Pedro Neto AM: Cole Palmer LW: Christopher Nkunku ST: João Pedro |
| Paris Saint‑Germain | 4‑3‑3 | GK: Donnarumma RB: Hakimi CB: Marquinhos CB: Beraldo LB: Nuno Mendes CM: Vitinha CM: Joao Neves CM: Fabián Ruiz RW: Desire Doue ST: Ousmane Dembele LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia |
Chelsea vs PSG lineups – Key Players & Squad Strength Analysis
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Chelsea leans on Caicedo, Palmer, Joao Pedro and a rejuvenated Cucurella to disrupt PSG’s rhythm and generate scoring opportunities.
PSG, with creative midfielders Vitinha & Ruiz plus pacy wide attackers Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, boasts depth and consistency on another level.
Chelsea: Key Players to Watch
- Moisés Caicedo (Midfield) – Chelsea’s Player of the Season, who anchors their midfield. Despite a minor ankle knock in the semi-finals, he’s expected to start. Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel even stated that Caicedo would be the only Blues player strong enough to make PSG’s midfield XI
- João Pedro (Forward) – Next-gen striker who has hit the ground running with two goals in his Chelsea debut in the Club World Cup semi-final. A transformative signing who adds physical presence and clinical finishing to Maresca’s side
- Cole Palmer & Pedro Neto (Attack/Midfield) – Palmer is Chelsea’s creative heartbeat, while Neto provides pace and width from wide areas. Together with João Pedro, they give Chelsea real attacking intent.
- Marc Cucurella (Left-back) – Once booed by fans, now a key player embodying Chelsea’s resurgence. Strong defensively and capable going forward—he’s flourished under Maresca’s youth-centric strategy.
PSG: Key Players to Watch
- Vitinha, João Neves & Fabián Ruiz (Midfield trio) – Perfect blend of creativity, work rate, and control. Ruiz scored twice in the semifinal. This trio gives PSG total dominance in possession and tempo control.
- Achraf Hakimi & Nuno Mendes (Full-backs) – Provide width and crossing threat. Their overlapping runs pose real challenges for Chelsea’s full‑backs, especially Cucurella and Reece James.
- Ousmane Dembele & Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Attack) – Speed, flair, and goal threat. Dembélé is key to PSG’s forward momentum; Kvaratskhelia became the first Georgian to score at this Club World Cup and Champions League final heroics.
- Désiré Doué (Young forward) – UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season and key goal scorer in the tournament’s earlier rounds
| Category | Chelsea | PSG |
| Tactical System | Youth-driven, tactical flexibility under Maresca; no defensive shelling | High-press, fluid attacking structure under Luis Enrique |
| Key Midfielders | Caicedo & Fernández: dynamic, physical | Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz: better control and passing intelligence |
| Attack Threat | Palmer, Neto, João Pedro: creative, energetic front three | Ousmane Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, Doue: lethal, pacey, space exploiters |
| Defensive Record | Renewed but still susceptible, particularly in the wide areas. | Conceded only 1 goal all tournament; nearly faultless backline |
| Tournament Form | Strong unbeaten run, momentum from Conference League victory | Dominant campaign: 7 wins in 8 games, 6 clean sheets |
Chelsea vs PSG lineups Who Looks Stronger?
- PSG enters the final as clear favourites. Their semifinal demolition of Real Madrid (4‑0), along with near-perfect defensive records, underscores their tournament dominance.
- Chelsea are no pushovers, especially with their youthful talent and tactical belief. Guardiola-legend John Obi Mikel highlighted Caicedo’s potential to match PSG central midfield physically.
- Multiple Chelsea players (like Colwill and Cucurella) have vocalised confidence that their distinct playing style can unsettle PSG’s rhythm
Analysts largely support PSG due to their tactical cohesion, tournament form, and defensive strength, making them the world’s strongest team. However, Chelsea’s youthful and energetic squad, along with their belief under Maresca, suggests they won’t easily give up.
