The Club World Cup is officially down to two teams, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain set to face off in Sunday`s final after their impressive semifinal victories. Both clubs have reached this stage demonstrating dominance, yet each has a unique motivation heading into the final at MetLife Stadium. Here`s a look ahead to the weekend`s big match.
Footy Fix: Upcoming Matches
All times U.S./Eastern
Friday, July 11
🌍 WAFCON: Ghana vs. Mali, 12 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: Italy vs. Spain, 3 p.m. ➡️ Fox
🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: Portugal vs. Belgium, 3 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🌍 WAFCON: Tanzania vs. South Africa, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
Saturday, July 12
🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: Sweden vs. Germany, 3 p.m. ➡️ Fox
🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: Poland vs. Denmark, 3 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🌍 WAFCON: Morocco vs. Senegal, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
🌍 WAFCON: Zambia vs. Congo DR, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
🌎 Copa America Femenina: Peru vs. Chile, 5 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🌎 Copa America Femenina: Ecuador vs. Uruguay, 8 p.m. ➡️ FS2
Sunday, July 13
🏆 CWC: Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 3 p.m. ➡️ TBS
🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: England vs. Wales, 3 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: France vs. Netherlands, 3 p.m. ➡️ FS2
🌍 WAFCON: Tunisia vs. Botswana, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports Connect
🌍 WAFCON: Nigeria vs. Algeria, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
🌎 Copa America Femenina: Bolivia vs. Paraguay, 5 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🌎 Copa America Femenina: Brazil vs. Venezuela, 8 p.m. ➡️ FS1
The Forward Line
Paris Saint-Germain`s Title to Lose
Just as they demonstrated during the latter part of the European season, Paris Saint-Germain has been exceptionally dominant in the Club World Cup knockout stages. This positions them as clear favorites for Sunday`s final and supports the argument that they are currently the best team in the world, regardless of the outcome. Their commanding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the semifinals on Wednesday showcased their high-intensity approach under Luis Enrique, overwhelming opponents with relentless pressure. This tactical vision has led to near-perfect results, including three 4-0 wins in the tournament and an impressive 16-1 goal difference.
- Enrique: `My phone is full of messages from Barcelona fans, which tells you about how big this game was. You go at 100% for everything this shirt represents and we know what Real Madrid are, what they were and what they will always be, how great they are. We didn`t put the brakes on but of course with the heat, with the final in three days` time, with cramp and the risk of tiredness, you act. The first thing is the objective, which is to reach the final and compete. But at no point do you put the brakes on.`
It`s no surprise that PSG are the team to beat. As reigning UEFA Champions League winners, they are expected to be favorites in the Club World Cup. Their journey to the final is a continuation of the tactical evolution seen over recent months. The French champions, once defined by individual stars, have achieved their greatest success by embracing a collective team spirit, putting them on the verge of adding the Club World Cup to a potential historic quadruple.
- Enrique: `This was an objective from the start. And now we are just one game away from building PSG`s history, and winning all the trophies we have participated in this season. It means a lot for us, for our fans and it is a pleasure to work at this club. We have scored 100-plus goals and we let in very few. These players are exceptional. … The insuperable play of my players and their generosity, the way they give everything at the service of the team.`
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Chelsea`s Up-and-Comers Target More Silverware
PSG`s remarkable dominance naturally leads to the question of how they can be stopped. On Sunday, that challenge falls to Chelsea.
This presents a significant test, especially for a young Chelsea squad still in the early phases of a project led by manager Enzo Maresca. The Club World Cup has served as an opportunity for many players to gain valuable minutes and stake their claim for a place in the squad, particularly given the competition in attack. Joao Pedro, who recently joined from Brighton and Hove Albion, was a standout performer in the 2-0 semifinal win against his former club Fluminense. Maresca noted that Joao Pedro`s qualities are particularly useful against teams that defend deep, making him a valuable option for the upcoming busy season, which includes a return to the Champions League.
- Maresca: `The reason why we brought him is because this season, we faced many teams with [a] low block and this quality is very good against this kind of team and then as a person, first of all, he is from Brazil so most of the Brazilian players, they are very happy. They enjoy with the football. … This is exactly the way he showed [Tuesday]. Doesn`t mean he`s going to be all season like this because it`s not going to happen but it`s good to have him and also as an option.`
Maresca has a wealth of options available for the final. While Joao Pedro started the semifinal due to Liam Delap`s suspension, the match against PSG will offer a real indicator of Maresca`s plans and serve as a true measure for a Chelsea side aiming to build a future contender.
Top Stories
- 🔵 Madueke`s impending departure: Chelsea considering offloading Noni Madueke to Arsenal might be a misstep despite having numerous attacking options.
- 👋 Real Madrid exit CWC: Real Madrid`s loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup highlighted the team’s need for rebuilding, beyond just Kylian Mbappe’s impact.
- 🇺🇸 Tobin Heath retires: USWNT legend Tobin Heath, a two-time Women`s World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist, announced her retirement after a serious knee injury.
- ❓ Messi to Saudi Arabia?: With Lionel Messi`s Inter Miami contract uncertain, key figures in Saudi Arabia are reportedly planning a move to lure him to the Middle East.
- ⚫🔴 AC Milan preview: Ahead of preseason, storylines for AC Milan include Christian Pulisic`s role under new manager Massimiliano Allegri and the arrival of Luka Modric.
- 🏆 World Cup power rankings: Spain leads the contenders one year out from the World Cup, while the U.S. men`s national team ranks outside the top 20.
- 👎 Ancelotti`s tax evasion charges: Carlo Ancelotti was charged with tax evasion in Spain and sentenced to one year in prison.
The Back Line
Best Bets
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Club World Cup final: Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain, Sunday, 3 p.m.
💰 THE PICK: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to score (+150) – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is likely to play a key role in PSG`s pursuit of another major trophy. His arrival was a turning point, providing significant attacking output while helping Luis Enrique balance the team. Although not always the primary goalscorer, Kvaratskhelia has goals in him, making him a good candidate to score as PSG aim for a second major title this season.
What We`re Watching
What`s on CBS Sports Golazo Network
- ☀️ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): The network`s flagship morning show featuring highlights, interviews, and major soccer storylines. Also available as a podcast.
- ☀️ Morning Footy (10 a.m. ET): A special edition of the morning show to kick off coverage of the big game.
- 🏆 Champions League Today (1 p.m. ET): Pregame studio coverage with expert analysts. Coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET on streaming platforms, followed by broader coverage at 1:30 p.m. ET.
- ⚽ The Champions Club (5:30 p.m. ET): Live reactions and match analysis breaking down the action from the Champions League final.
- 🥅 Scoreline (7 p.m. ET): Catch up on global football news, results, and highlights from the day`s matches, airing seven days a week.
- 📺 How to watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel dedicated to covering top soccer competitions worldwide. It can be streamed on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
