The much-anticipated PSG vs Real Madrid showdown in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinal is finally upon us. Set at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, this thrilling encounter pits two of football’s global powerhouses against each other for a coveted spot in the final against Chelsea.
This fixture holds even more weight as it marks the first competitive meeting between these teams since their Champions League clash in 2022 — and the first since Kylian Mbappé’s dramatic switch from PSG to Real Madrid. The narrative is compelling, the lineups are loaded with world-class talent, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Mbappé Headlines the PSG vs Real Madrid Battle
In the heart of the PSG vs Real Madrid drama is Kylian Mbappé. After recovering from illness and scoring in the quarterfinal, Mbappé starts his first match under new Madrid boss Xabi Alonso — and it just so happens to be against his former club. His presence alone elevates this semifinal into a footballing spectacle.
Mbappé is joined in the starting lineup by Gonzalo García, who has emerged as Madrid’s surprise star in the tournament. García has scored four goals and provided an assist in five matches. With Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Arda Güler also in attack, Real Madrid boasts a fearsome frontline that PSG’s defense must contend with.
Real Madrid’s Road to the Semifinal
Real Madrid enters this fixture unbeaten in the tournament, having netted 11 goals in just five matches. The team has demonstrated its offensive prowess and tactical discipline under Alonso, despite dealing with injuries and suspensions.
Dean Huijsen is out following a red card in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick remain sidelined due to injuries. Despite these absences, Madrid’s depth has allowed them to maintain a high level of performance.
The phenomenon of Madridismo is in full display in the U.S. Over 336,000 fans have attended Real Madrid’s matches in the tournament — filling 94% of stadiums. For today’s PSG vs Real Madrid clash, over 80,000 fans are expected, underscoring the magnitude of this semifinal.
PSG’s Stellar Defensive Record
PSG, led by Luis Enrique, has also been exceptional. The French champions have won four of their five matches in the tournament, conceding zero goals in their victories. Their only loss came in the group stage against Botafogo, but they’ve responded emphatically.
Nine different PSG players have found the net so far, showing the team’s attacking depth and tactical flexibility. Ousmane Dembélé, who was instrumental in PSG’s Champions League run, returns to the starting XI alongside Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, forming a potent front three.
While PSG misses key defenders Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho due to suspension, Lucas Beraldo steps in at center back. Despite the absences, the team’s attacking strength remains formidable — an essential asset in this intense PSG vs Real Madrid matchup.
Tactical Faceoff: Enrique vs Alonso
The PSG vs Real Madrid semifinal is more than a clash of players — it’s a tactical showdown between Luis Enrique and Xabi Alonso. Both managers are known for their footballing intellect and strategic nuance.
Enrique’s PSG emphasizes fluid midfield play, attacking transitions, and high pressing. With Vitinha, Neves, and Fabián anchoring the midfield, PSG aims to control tempo and disrupt Madrid’s build-up play.
Alonso’s Real Madrid, on the other hand, has adopted a balanced approach — blending possession-based football with lethal counterattacks. With Tchouaméni and Valverde orchestrating from midfield and Bellingham linking up play, Madrid looks to outmaneuver PSG tactically and physically.
Official Starting Lineups
Real Madrid XI:
Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Raul Asencio, Federico Valverde, Francisco Garcia, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior.
PSG XI:
Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Vitinha, Neves, Fabián, Dembélé, Doué, Kvaratskhelia.
Each team enters this PSG vs Real Madrid fixture with elite-quality lineups, depth on the bench, and tactical versatility. Expect late-game substitutions to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome.
A Historic Night at MetLife
This PSG vs Real Madrid Club World Cup semifinal is historic for several reasons. It’s the first time PSG has reached a Club World Cup semifinal, while Madrid is chasing a record-extending sixth title. Remarkably, Real Madrid has never lost a match in this competition.
The match atmosphere is electric. Fans from across the globe have gathered in New Jersey to witness this colossal encounter. Real Madrid supporters dominate the stadium, but PSG fans have shown up in force, especially drawn by the French club’s emergence as a global brand under Enrique.
The crowd also reflects the global appeal of football stars. Georgian fans have turned out to support Kvaratskhelia, proudly waving flags and donning jerseys. The Club World Cup has once again proven itself as a festival of global football culture.
How to Watch PSG vs Real Madrid Live
For fans tuning in from home, the PSG vs Real Madrid semifinal is available on DAZN, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 9. Due to technical delays, the match start was pushed by 10 minutes, but the excitement remains undimmed.
Live coverage, including highlights, stats, and expert commentary, is available through Yahoo Sports, ensuring fans won’t miss a single moment of the action.
What’s at Stake?
At the heart of the PSG vs Real Madrid semifinal lies a monumental prize — a ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup final against Chelsea. For PSG, it’s the chance to claim their first global club trophy. For Madrid, it’s an opportunity to further assert their dominance on the international stage.
Victory today would not just be about lifting silverware — it would cement a team’s legacy. For Mbappé, a goal against his former club could be symbolic of a new era at Madrid. For Dembélé, Doué, and Kvaratskhelia, it could be the spark that defines their careers at PSG.
Final Thoughts
The PSG vs Real Madrid semifinal is everything fans could wish for — star power, high stakes, and deep-rooted storylines. From Mbappé’s reunion to tactical battles, this encounter offers a spectacle unmatched in the Club World Cup so far.
With two elite clubs vying for supremacy, expect fireworks on the pitch and drama until the final whistle. As the world watches, PSG vs Real Madrid is set to become one of the defining moments of the 2025 football calendar.