The stage is set at MetLife Stadium for a blockbuster showdown as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to face off in the final of the Club World Cup. Both sides have now confirmed their lineups, and it’s clear that neither manager is holding back. Enzo Maresca is trusting the same core that carried Chelsea through the semi-finals, while PSG boss Luis Enrique is unleashing a fiery front line loaded with pace and flair.
Chelsea will deploy a compact 4-2-3-1 setup, anchored by the returning Moisés Caicedo alongside Enzo Fernández in midfield. Reece James and Marc Cucurella will provide width from the back, flanking the central pairing of Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill. In attack, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto are expected to operate behind João Pedro, with Christopher Nkunku offering creative support just behind the striker. Robert Sánchez retains his spot between the sticks.
PSG’s expected XI signals all-out intent. Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal, protected by a defensive line featuring Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield trio of Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz will aim to control the tempo, while the frontline features two of Europe’s most explosive wingers—Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé—alongside 18-year-old star Désiré Doué, whose rapid rise has captured the attention of scouts worldwide.
Tactically, the clash pits Maresca’s methodical structure against Enrique’s aggressive, free-flowing style. Chelsea will look to dominate the midfield and break on the counter, while PSG aim to disrupt with pace and relentless pressing. With youth, energy, and creativity on both sides, the final promises fireworks—and could well deliver a modern classic under the bright lights of New York.
