Chelsea faces tough test against PSG in Club World Cup final

Chelsea Football Club is gearing up for a significant challenge on Sunday, July 12, 2025, as they prepare to face Paris Saint Germain (PSG) in the final of the Club World Cup, held at MetLife Stadium in New York. The match occurs against the backdrop of PSG's remarkable dominance in recent competitions, where they won the Champions League and swept all French domestic trophies, establishing themselves as formidable opponents. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledges PSG's stature, labeling them as the best team in the world while insisting that his preparations for the match will not change significantly compared to previous games, such as the one against Fluminense. In the lead-up to the final, Maresca emphasizes the importance of treating the match with the same intensity as any other, focusing on tactics that exploit PSG's weaknesses while neutralizing their strengths. The atmosphere at the venue is expected to be electric, with up to 82,500 fans anticipated to attend, and the stakes heightened by the promise of a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Chelsea's journey to this point is a source of pride for the team, especially having progressed from a field of 32 teams to the final. Despite facing such a heavily favored opponent, Chelsea aims to harness the unpredictability that tournament football can provide. This final represents not just another match, but a pivotal opportunity to showcase Maresca's evolving tactical philosophy and potentially reshape the club's trajectory toward achieving global footballing excellence. The match is seen as a litmus test for Chelsea's recent tactical innovations, which have been criticized as too rigid in the past. Maresca's management style is under close scrutiny, as many are curious to see if his strategies can match PSG's well-drilled and cohesive unit, which has shown the capability to dominate opponents, illustrated by their recent performances in the tournament, including a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid. Maresca remains optimistic, rallying his team to approach the match with confidence and determination. A vital player, Moises Caicedo, is expected to participate after overcoming an ankle injury, adding to Chelsea's competitive edge. While PSG has largely gone unchallenged throughout the tournament, Chelsea draws motivation from the belief that anything can happen in football, making this final an eagerly awaited clash that is sure to captivate fans around the world.