With the chance to take their haul of prize money north of £90 million, Chelsea face Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) knowing there’s far more than just silverware at stake.
Match News and Current Form
Chelsea were unfancied to reach the final before a ball was kicked, but five wins from six games at the CWC (L1) have helped the Blues reach a first final in this competition since 2021, the one and only time they’ve won the CWC. A 2-0 semi-final win against Fluminense booked their ticket for this showpiece event, and they certainly look to be warming to the task under Enzo Maresca, who is approaching the end of his first season in charge. The ultimate challenge now awaits against a fearsome PSG side, but having won 13 of their last 15 games (L2), perhaps Chelsea are the perfect side to challenge their authority.
Immortality awaits PSG here, as they stand just 90 minutes away from scooping up every trophy that was available to them this season. Having already lifted three domestic trophies and the UEFA Champions League title, PSG could complete an incomprehensible quintet of silverware if they can lift the CWC for the first time ever. A 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid was the perfect warm-up for the final and stretched their incredible run of form to ten wins from their last 11 games (L1). With the last seven of those wins also accompanied by a clean sheet, the Parisians will take some stopping in this final.
Head-to-Head History
PSG have the marginal historical edge in this match-up, winning three times as opposed to Chelsea’s two (D3). They’ve had the advantage in recent meetings too, going unbeaten across the last four H2Hs (W2, D2).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Chelsea have scored no more than once inside 90 minutes in five of their last six games against European opposition.
Chelsea have attempted more shots at the CWC (100) than any other side.
Five of PSG’s last seven wins came by a 3+ goal margin.
PSG led at half-time in six of their last eight games.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
João Pedro announced his arrival at Chelsea with a brace in the semi-final, and he’s now scored after the break in 16 of his last 19 club goalscoring appearances. Ousmane Dembélé netted in both the quarter and semi-finals, and he’s already scored against three English clubs this season (Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal).
Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of Moisés Caicedo, who picked up a knock in the semi-final, while PSG will have to do without suspended duo Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández.