PSG Set to Battle Chelsea in Historic Club World Cup Final

The final of FIFA's redesigned Club World Cup will pit Paris St Germain (PSG) against Chelsea, highlighting a month-long tournament held in the United States. This event, featuring 32 teams, has generated substantial excitement, with discussions centering around the impact of weather and scheduling, while delivering an abundance of drama reminiscent of a national World Cup.

PSG and Chelsea, both distinguished as two of the wealthiest and most influential clubs in Europe, will vie for the distinction of being the inaugural champions of this expanded format. The tournament serves as a prelude to the 2026 World Cup in North America, aiming to redefine club football and elevate its status on the global stage.

Scheduled for Sunday at noon at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the final follows a gripping tournament that saw unexpected turns, including the surprising eliminations of powerhouses like Manchester City and Inter Milan by underdogs Al Hilal and Fluminense. PSG has demonstrated remarkable form recently, winning seven out of their last eight matches without conceding a goal, showcasing their aggressive style under manager Luis Enrique. They dominated their semi-final against Real Madrid, securing a convincing 4-0 victory driven by their high-press tactics that yielded early turnovers leading to a quick two-goal advantage.

After achieving their first Champions League title last month, PSG is now aiming for their inaugural world championship. Luis Enrique has rejuvenated the squad, introducing a blend of youth and dynamism to replace departed stars such as Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe. Key players like midfielder Vitinha, and agile fullbacks Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi have significantly contributed to the team's success, while Ousmane Dembele has emerged as a crucial forward, aiding their attacking efforts.

Defensively, PSG has shown great strength, averaging seven turnovers per hour of play during the tournament, which has been essential for their progress. Remarkably, Luis Enrique has an impeccable record of success in one-off club finals, having never lost any, winning all 11 he has contested.

On the other hand, Chelsea's path to the final has been less straightforward, as they arrived in the United States following a victory in the Conference League, reflecting a challenging domestic season where they barely achieved a top-four finish in the Premier League. Under the leadership of manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea sees this final as a redemption opportunity, especially after facing scrutiny regarding a squad assembled for over 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion).

The mid-tournament acquisition of Joao Pedro has proved to be a wise move, as he scored twice during their semi-final win over Fluminense. His partnership with Cole Palmer up front presents a formidable attacking presence, while the midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, and Moises Caicedo has excelled in disrupting the opposition's play and creating chances.