The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted in the United States from June 14 to July 13, is set to redefine club football with its expanded 32-team format. Among the frontrunners is Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), fresh off their historic 2024-25 UEFA Champions League triumph. Led by coach Luis Enrique and a star-studded squad, PSG are determined to cap their dream season by claiming the global crown. Here’s a comprehensive look at PSG’s journey, squad, challenges, and ambitions for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Qualification and Recent Success
PSG secured their place in the 2025 Club World Cup through their stellar performances in European competitions, culminating in their first-ever Champions League title on May 31, 2025. Their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena, with Désiré Doué earning man-of-the-match honors, marked a historic milestone for the French club. PSG’s qualification was already assured via ranking points from consistent Champions League runs, but their European triumph solidified their status as favorites.
The 2024-25 season has been a dream campaign for PSG, as they also clinched the Ligue 1 title and reached the Coupe de France final against Reims. This domestic and European dominance, coupled with a balanced squad under Luis Enrique’s tactical guidance, positions PSG as the team to beat, with betting odds listing them as second-favorites behind Real Madrid.
Tournament Format and Group Stage Draw
The 2025 Club World Cup features eight groups of four teams, with the top two advancing to the round of 16. PSG have been drawn into Group B, dubbed the “Group of Death,” alongside Atlético Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), and Seattle Sounders (USA). Despite the tough competition, PSG’s depth and form make them favorites to progress. Their group stage fixtures are:
- June 15, 2025: PSG vs. Atlético Madrid at Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena (8pm BST, 12pm local time). A blockbuster opener against Diego Simeone’s resilient Atlético, who previously beat PSG 2-1 in the 2024 Champions League group stage.
- June 19, 2025: PSG vs. Botafogo at Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena (6pm BST). Botafogo, the 2024 Copa Libertadores champions, bring South American flair but face an uphill battle against PSG’s firepower.
- June 23, 2025: PSG vs. Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field, Seattle (3am BST, June 24). The MLS side, known for their passionate fanbase, are underdogs but could pose a challenge in their home stadium.
PSG will base themselves in Los Angeles for their first two matches, with a trip to Seattle for the final group game. Advancing as Group B winners would likely pit them against Group A’s runners-up (possibly Inter Miami or Palmeiras) on June 28, while finishing second could mean a tougher clash with Group A’s winners, such as Bayern Munich or FC Porto.
Squad: A Balanced Powerhouse
PSG’s 28-man squad, confirmed on June 11, 2025, reflects a shift from a top-heavy, superstar-driven lineup to a cohesive unit with quality across the pitch. Key players like Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué form a devastating attacking trio, while captain Marquinhos anchors the defense. Recent transfer rumors suggest PSG are targeting Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi to bolster their backline, though no deal was finalized before the tournament.
The confirmed squad includes:
- Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matvey Safonov, Arnau Tenas
- Defenders: Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi, Nordi Mukiele, Illia Zabarnyi (pending transfer)
- Midfielders: Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz, Danilo Pereira, Lee Kang-in
- Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani (loan extended), Marco Asensio
Notable absences include Kylian Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid in 2024, and injured players like Dembélé, whose fitness for the Atlético clash is uncertain. Young stars like Zaïre-Emery and Doué, both 19, bring dynamism, while veterans like Donnarumma and Marquinhos provide stability. The potential loan extension of Kolo Muani for the tournament adds depth up top.
Luis Enrique’s Tactical Approach
Luis Enrique has transformed PSG into a balanced, high-pressing side that overwhelms opponents with verticality and attacking flair. His 4-3-3 formation leverages Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia’s pace on the wings, with Doué or Barcola cutting inside as a secondary creator. Vitinha and Zaïre-Emery dictate tempo in midfield, while Marquinhos and Hernandez provide defensive solidity. The Athletic describes PSG as “a cohesive unit,” a stark contrast to their Galactico-heavy past.
Enrique’s preparation includes managing player fatigue after international duties, with stars like Doué returning from national team camps just days before the tournament. FIFA’s special transfer window (June 1-30) offers flexibility, but PSG’s focus is on integrating existing talents like Neves and Kvaratskhelia, both signed in 2024. The challenge will be maintaining intensity across a potential seven-match schedule, with the Ligue 1 season resuming just three weeks after the final.
Key Challenges and Rivals
PSG’s Group B opener against Atlético Madrid is a litmus test, with Opta’s supercomputer giving PSG a 54% chance of victory. Atlético’s physicality and counter-attacking threat, led by Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, could exploit PSG’s occasional defensive lapses. Botafogo’s attacking style and Seattle’s home advantage add further hurdles, but PSG are expected to advance.
In the knockouts, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich loom as major threats. Real Madrid, despite a Champions League quarter-final exit, remain favorites with stars like Vinicius Jr. and Mbappé. Manchester City’s depth and Bayern’s new signing Jonathan Tah make them formidable, while Inter Milan, PSG’s Champions League final victims, seek revenge. South American sides like Flamengo and River Plate could also spring surprises, as could Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi.
Player fatigue is a concern, with Enrique’s high-pressing style demanding peak fitness. Posts on X highlight PSG’s “relentless attack” but warn of burnout risks in a congested schedule.
Financial and Strategic Stakes
The 2025 Club World Cup offers a $1 billion prize pool, with winners potentially earning $125 million and participants sharing a $406 million participation fee. For PSG, owned by Qatar Sports Investments, the financial windfall could fuel further squad investment, especially with targets like Zabarnyi in sight. The tournament’s global exposure, with all 63 matches streamed free on DAZN, will amplify PSG’s brand in the U.S. and beyond.
Strategically, a Club World Cup title would cement PSG’s status as a global superpower, erasing years of Champions League heartache. Captain Marquinhos told FIFA.com that the tournament is “a chance to make history,” reflecting the club’s ambition. A deep run would also boost the profiles of young stars like Doué and Zaïre-Emery ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Fan Experience and Logistics
PSG fans traveling to the U.S. will enjoy dedicated fan sections at the Rose Bowl and Lumen Field. Ticket applications closed earlier in 2025, but those with ticket packs are eligible for a guaranteed 2026 FIFA World Cup match ticket. The Rose Bowl, a historic venue, adds prestige to PSG’s opener, while Seattle’s Lumen Field offers a vibrant atmosphere.
For fans watching from home, DAZN’s free global livestream, with potential broadcasts on TNT Sports and TelevisaUnivision in the U.S., ensures accessibility. PSG’s matches, especially against Atlético, are expected to draw massive viewership, fueled by stars like Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia.
Predictions and Outlook
PSG enter as the team to beat, with Goal.com’s power rankings placing them atop the 32-team field. Their Champions League dominance, cohesive squad, and Enrique’s tactics give them a strong edge. Opta’s supercomputer gives PSG a 15.4% chance of winning, behind Real Madrid (18.2%) and Manchester City (16.7%). Fans on X are optimistic, with some predicting a “Dembélé-Kvaratskhelia masterclass” to secure the title.
The Group B gauntlet will test PSG early, but their depth should see them through. A semi-final clash with Manchester City or Real Madrid is a likely hurdle, and PSG’s ability to maintain their high-pressing style will be decisive. A Club World Cup triumph would cap a historic season, but even a deep run would reinforce PSG’s new era of dominance.
Conclusion
Paris Saint-Germain approach the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as European champions with a point to prove. With a balanced squad, Luis Enrique’s tactical brilliance, and a hunger for global glory, PSG are primed to make history. The challenges of a tough group, elite rivals, and a grueling schedule await, but for a club that has conquered Europe, the world stage is the next frontier. As the tournament kicks off in Pasadena, PSG’s journey to immortality begins.
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