The stage is set for a blockbuster semi-final clash at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) take on Real Madrid. This promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s biggest footballing giants, both vying for a spot in the prestigious final.
Check out EasySportz for in-depth coverage of the FIFA Club World Cup. Here is the preview of the other Club World Cup semifinal, Fluminense versus Chelsea.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM ET (Eastern Time, USA)
- Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Match Preview
PSG reached the semi-finals after a dramatic 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in their quarter-final, a game that saw them finish with nine men. Despite the red cards to Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández, they showed resilience and clinical finishing. Luis Enrique’s side will be looking to continue their impressive form, having also comfortably beaten Inter Miami in the Round of 16.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, edged past Borussia Dortmund in a 3-2 thriller in their quarter-final match. Goals from Gonzalo Garcia and Fran Garcia put them in a commanding position, and while Dortmund fought back, a late Kylian Mbappé bicycle kick sealed their semi-final berth. Real Madrid has been adapting to Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach, which has seen them switch between formations. The return of Kylian Mbappé, even if from the bench, adds another dimension to their attack.
This match is particularly intriguing given Mbappé’s recent move to Real Madrid from PSG. It will be a highly anticipated reunion for the Frenchman against his former club, adding an extra layer of narrative to an already monumental fixture.
Predicted Starting XIs
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): Manager: Luis Enrique Formation: (Likely a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, given recent setups)
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos (C), (Aurelien Tchouameni – potentially filling in for suspended defenders), Nuno Mendes
- Midfielders: Vitinha, João Neves, Fabian Ruiz
- Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Note: PSG will be without Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández due to red card suspensions from their quarter-final.
Real Madrid: Manager: Xabi Alonso Formation: (Likely a 3-5-2 or 4-3-3, depending on Alonso’s tactical decision and Mbappé’s full fitness)
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, (Aurelien Tchouameni – if not playing in midfield)
- Wing-backs/Full-backs: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fran Garcia
- Midfielders: Federico Valverde (C), Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler
- Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé (If fully fit to start, otherwise Gonzalo Garcia)
- Note: Real Madrid has had some injury concerns in the tournament, but key players seem to be returning.
This semi-final is expected to be a high-stakes, end-to-end affair with both teams possessing immense attacking talent and tactical prowess. The winner will advance to the Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13, 2025, also at MetLife Stadium.
