Two European giants, different paths, one goal: to become the first-ever champions of the tournament’s new format. And yes, there’s also a massive prize waiting for the winner.
Chelsea’s road to the final
Chelsea has grown stronger with every match in this Club World Cup. They finished second in Group D, with two wins and one loss, but found their rhythm in the knockout rounds. In the Round of 16, they crushed Benfica 4-1, making their intentions clear.
In the quarterfinals, they edged Palmeiras 2-1 in a tense battle, and then dispatched Fluminense 2-0 in the semis with a clinical and composed performance. Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues have found balance, resilience, and belief ahead of the final.
PSG’s road to the final
On the other side, Paris Saint-Germain have looked simply unstoppable. They topped Group B and have been a dominant force ever since. In the Round of 16, they thrashed Inter Miami 4-0, followed by a solid 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in the quarters, and then completely dismantled Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinals.
With a star-studded squad and free-flowing football, Luis Enrique’s team arrives as the clear favorite. Already reigning Champions League winners, PSG are now chasing a historic sextuple.
Key players to watch
One name no one expected to shine in this tournament is João Pedro. The Brazilian was on vacation just a few weeks ago, and now he’s the standout star of Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign. His brace against Fluminense made him an unlikely hero—and he’s ready to finish the job in the final.
For PSG, all eyes are on Ousmane Dembélé. The French winger missed the early matches but returned just in time and is showing the same form that once made him a Ballon d’Or contender. He was crucial in the blowout against Madrid and could be decisive again this Sunday.
Final thoughts
While the odds favor PSG—the reigning European champions with a squad full of stars—Chelsea is coming in hot and could play spoiler to Luis Enrique’s dream of lifting six trophies in a season.
The Blues have shown grit, goals, and a hunger to shock the world. It’s a final with everything on the line… and it could be one for the ages.
