PSG has a semi-final encounter against Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid in the Club World Cup. The French champions will want to heap further misery on Mbappe after he left the club with the sole purpose of winning the Champions League. The French captain will be eager to put on a display against his former employers, given how they ended on bad terms. Real Madrid president Florentina Perez wants the club to take the tournament seriously and has promised a € 1 million bonus to every player.
This is a great mindset from the president as if he sends out the message that the tournament does not matter then the players will not try their best.
This Club World Cup has shown that you need to be at your best to win your games. Brazilian side Fluminense's run to the semi-final shows that you can't take every team in the tournament for granted.
Luis Enrique's side will never take a club like Real Madrid for granted because of the calibre of players the Spanish giants have at their disposal. These two would have faced each other in the semi-finals of the Champions League had Carlo Ancelotti's side (at the time) knocked out Arsenal. This game may be deemed as the final before the final, as the other semi-final is Chelsea vs Fluminense.
Here's our preview of PSG vs Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.
PSG vs Real Madrid : Preview, Prediction & Lineups.
When is kick-off? Wednesday 9th July, 2025.
Where is it played? MetLife Stadium
What time is kick-off? 8:00p.m. (UK) and 3:00p.m. (USA)
Referee: Szymon Marciniak
How to watch PSG vs Real Madrid on TV? The games for the FIFA Club World Cup are free on DAZN in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
PSG team news:
Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez will miss the semi-final through suspension, furthermore, both players received a two-game ban and will miss the final if PSG were to qualify. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele is still touch and go despite having a couple of substitute appearances in the knockout rounds.
Paris Saint-Germain's possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Barcola, Doue, Kvaratskhelia
Real Madrid team news:
Xabi Alonso will not be able to call upon his new centre-back signing Dean Huijsen after he picked up a red card in the previous round against Dortmund. Spanish international Raul Ascensio should be the one stepping up to replace Huijsen next to Antonio Rudiger in Madrid's backline.
Real Madrid's possible starting lineup: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Asensio, F. Garcia; Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Valverde; G. Garcia, Vinicius Junior.
Prediction: PSG 0-2 Real Madrid
The Spanish Giants will feel like they have a lot to prove after going trophyless last season. They know a win against the European Champions will bode well ahead of the new season. It is hard to look past a Real Madrid victory, particularly because the president has given them encouragement.