By Ghazali Ibrahim
The stage is set for a historic showdown on Sunday as Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea clash in the final of FIFA’s first-ever expanded Club World Cup, set to take place at the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to be among the high-profile attendees.
The match brings the curtain down on what FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described as the start of a “golden era of club football.”
Speaking from Trump Tower on Saturday, Infantino said the 32-team competition has already become the most successful club competition in the world, with its next edition slated for 2029.
PSG, under Luis Enrique, are the clear favourites heading into the final, having enjoyed a phenomenal season.
After securing a domestic double in France, they claimed their first-ever UEFA Champions League title with a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan.
In the Club World Cup, they have maintained blistering form, thrashing Atletico Madrid, Inter Miami, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid with a combined 16 goals scored.
“It has been a fantastic season and for us, it is very important that we end it in the best possible manner,” said Enrique on Friday.
PSG’s attacking power is led by Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembele, whose performances have dazzled fans throughout the tournament.
Chelsea, meanwhile, arrived in the United States as underdogs but boast recent silverware, having won the UEFA Conference League and finished fourth in the Premier League.
Their coach, Enzo Maresca, acknowledged PSG’s strength but insisted his side are not intimidated.
“They are probably the best team in the world right now,” Maresca admitted.
Chelsea defender Reece James added:
“Everyone has them down as strong favourites… but this is a final. One-off games don’t always go how people expect.”
Chelsea are hoping midfielder Moises Caicedo can recover from an ankle injury in time for kickoff.
Sunday’s final will mark PSG’s 65th match since August 2024, and Chelsea’s 64th, raising fresh concerns about football’s congested calendar.
Both clubs are expected to earn over $100 million in prize money, offering significant financial relief, particularly for Chelsea, who were recently sanctioned by UEFA for breaching financial regulations.
As football royalty, celebrities, and political figures gather under the Manhattan skyline for the blockbuster finale, one thing is certain: history will be made at MetLife Stadium.
