This Sunday, July 13, 2025, football’s spotlight falls on MetLife Stadium in the New York metro area, where Chelsea and Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) go head-to-head for the inaugural title in FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup. Kick-off is at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST / 9 p.m. CEST, just one day shy of France’s annual Bastille festivities.
Why Sunday Feels Momentous
This isn’t just about a trophy—it’s history in the making. For the first time, two European giants have contested a Club World Cup final, marking a milestone in a tournament previously dominated by intercontinental showdowns. With the Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup both slated for the U.S., this clash feels like a rehearsal for global football’s next act.
Form & Motivation: A Tale of Two Teams
Paris Saint‑Germain – The Continental Hunt Continues
Under Luis Enrique, PSG has crafted a dominant narrative in this competition: 7 wins in 8 matches, 6 clean sheets, and a total knockout dominance . After overpowering Real Madrid 4‑0 in the semis—with Ousmane Dembélé making his first start of the tournament and immediately impacting with a goal and assist —PSG enters the final unbeaten and unstoppable. They’ve conceded just once overall and dismantled top teams like Bayern, Madrid, and Inter Miami.
The stakes are huge. Victorious, PSG will cap off a historic season and lift a fourth trophy, adding to their treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League triumphs. And they’d land the $40 million winners’ bonus, topping $100 million in tournament earnings .
Chelsea – The English Underdogs With Bite
Despite a rocky domestic campaign, Chelsea have surged under Enzo Maresca, winning 13 of their last 15 matches. After stumbling early against Flamengo, they battled through Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense to get here .
New signing João Pedro has injected life into their frontline, combining well with Cole Palmer, while midfield maestros Enzo Fernández, Romeo Lavia, and Moises Caicedo have provided steel. They’re seeking to become the first English club to win the tournament twice—a record Chelsea set in 2021.
Tactical Preview – How They’ll Play
PSG’s Blueprint
Expect aggressive pressing, rapid wing play through Dembele, Hakimi, and Nuno Mendes, and midfield control led by Vitinha, Ruiz, and Kvaratskhelia. Their previous semis performance suggests they’ll aim to suffocate Chelsea high up the pitch and punish any mistakes . Their clean-sheet record indicates they won’t relent at the back.
Chelsea’s Gameplan
Chelsea will lean on defensive organization, absorbing PSG’s pressure, controlling midfield spaces, and unleashing quick counters. Pedro and Palmer will need to exploit those transitions. Expect set-pieces to play a big role—Fernández and Lavia could be decisive. And don’t discount Maresca’s motivational spark; a bold tactical shift isn’t off the table.
Watching Live – Where & How
- USA: Live on TBS, plus free DAZN streaming globally.
- UK: Live-free on Channel 5, kickoff coverage starts at ~7:00 p.m. BST.
- France: Live at 9:00 p.m. CEST .
At Stake – What’s on the Line?
- Club World Cup Legacy – Chelsea could secure their second title; PSG, their first, adding to an illustrious season.
- Financial Boost – $40 million winners’ purse, plus over $100 million solvent reward already pocketed.
- U.S. Showcase – As the precursor to the 2026 World Cup, this match is under scrutiny for its format, attendance, and broadcast success—following weather delays and less-than-packed stadiums in earlier rounds .
What to Watch
- Dembele vs Chelsea’s defense: his pace and creativity could unlock the match.
- Chelsea’s midfield trio: can they stifle PSG’s passage through the middle?
- Set-piece moments: both teams have aerial threats.
- Game tempo: will Chelsea survive PSG’s early storm, or does PSG keep the pressure constant?
Bold Predictions
- DAZN’s view: 2‑1 PSG win.
- Betting odds: PSG at 4/7, Chelsea at 4/1, draw at 16/5.
- Silver-lining for Chelsea fans: injuries or complacency could tip things—this match is tighter than PSG’s form suggests.
Final Thoughts
This final represents football’s next frontier—two European titans clashing not in Europe, but on U.S. turf, as the Club World Cup evolves. PSG chase immortality with a quadruple; Chelsea seek redemption and underdog glory.
Expect fireworks—fast pace, tactical chess, and decisive moments. Whether it’s Dembele’s magic or Benfica’s resilience, this final promises a spectacle.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 13, and get ready for one of the defining club matches of the year. Who’s lifting the trophy?