Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi-Final Preview in USA Updated

A Blockbuster Semi-Final in New Jersey

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is reaching its climax, and on July 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM EDT, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host a mouthwatering semi final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid. PSG demolished Bayern Munich 2-0 in the quarter-finals, while Real Madrid edged Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a thriller. With a spot in the July 13 final against Chelsea at stake, this clash of European titans promises fireworks.

Tailored for fans in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, this preview dives into tactics, key players, stats, and predictions. Whether you’re cheering from the stands in New Jersey or streaming on DAZN in London, this is your ultimate guide to PSG vs Real Madrid. Let’s break it down!

Image Caption: MetLife Stadium gears up for PSG vs Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final.
Image Alt Text: Aerial view of MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, set for the PSG vs Real Madrid FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final.

Tactical Breakdown: How Will the Teams Line Up?

PSG’s Game Plan

Under Luis Enrique, PSG deploys a 4-3-3 formation that balances possession with explosive attacks. Their 2-0 quarter-final win over Bayern showcased their discipline and firepower:

• High Press: João Neves and Vitinha will lead a relentless press to disrupt Real Madrid’s build-up, as seen with their 12 interceptions against Bayern.
• Wing Play: Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola’s pace will stretch Real Madrid’s full-backs, creating space for Kylian Mbappé to exploit centrally. PSG’s 15 shots on target against Bayern highlight their attacking threat.
• Defensive Solidity: Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes will lock down Real Madrid’s wingers, with Marquinhos anchoring the backline.

PSG’s vulnerability is their occasional over-reliance on Mbappé. If Real Madrid neutralize him, PSG’s attack could stall.

Real Madrid’s Approach

Coached by Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid uses a 4-4-2 diamond formation to maximize their midfield control and attacking depth. Their 3-2 win over Dortmund showed their resilience:

• Midfield Dominance: Federico Valverde and Luka Modrić will aim to control possession, with Jude Bellingham pushing forward to support Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. Real Madrid’s 62% possession against Dortmund proves their control.
• Counter-Attacks: Vinicius Jr.’s speed and dribbling (7 successful dribbles vs. Dortmund) will target PSG’s high line, especially on transitions.
• Set-Piece Threat: Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba are dangers from corners, with Real Madrid scoring once from a set-piece in the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid’s high defensive line could be exposed by PSG’s pacey wingers, particularly Dembélé.

Image Caption: Kylian Mbappé trains with PSG ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final against Real Madrid.
Image Alt Text: PSG’s Kylian Mbappé during a training session for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final in New Jersey.

Stats to Know

• Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
  • PSG: W-W-D-W-W (Ligue 1 and Club World Cup)
  • Real Madrid: W-W-W-D-W (LaLiga and Club World Cup)
• Tournament Performance:
  • PSG: 3 wins, 1 draw, +7 goal difference (group stage and quarter-final)
  • Real Madrid: 4 wins, +8 goal difference (group stage and quarter-final)
• Head-to-Head: PSG and Real Madrid last met in the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League, with Real Madrid winning 3-2 on aggregate. Real Madrid have won 5 of their last 8 competitive meetings.
• Key Stat: PSG’s Mbappé leads the tournament with 5 goals, while Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. has 3 goal involvements (1 goal, 2 assists), per ESPN.

Key Players to Watch

Paris Saint-Germain

• Kylian Mbappé (Forward): The 26-year-old Frenchman scored twice against Bayern and has 5 goals in the tournament. His speed and finishing make him PSG’s X-factor in New Jersey.
• Ousmane Dembélé (Winger): Dembélé’s 2 assists and 8 dribbles in the quarter-finals will test Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal.
• Achraf Hakimi (Right-Back): Facing his former club, Hakimi’s defensive work and overlapping runs could be crucial.

Real Madrid

• Vinicius Jr. (Forward): The 24-year-old Brazilian’s goal and assist against Dortmund highlight his flair. His duel with Hakimi will be electric.
• Jude Bellingham (Midfielder): Bellingham’s 90% pass accuracy and goal-scoring threat (1 goal vs. Dortmund) anchor Real Madrid’s midfield.
• Antonio Rüdiger (Defender): Rüdiger’s physicality will be key in containing Mbappé.

Image Caption: Vinicius Jr. prepares to lead Real Madrid against PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final.
Image Alt Text: Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. during a warm-up session before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final at MetLife Stadium.

Match Context: What’s at Stake?

PSG are chasing their first Club World Cup title, with their 2-0 win over Bayern Munich showing their potential to dominate. A victory over Real Madrid would send them to the final against Chelsea on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium. Real Madrid, the 14-time UEFA Champions League winners, are aiming for their second Club World Cup title after 2022. Their narrow 3-2 win over Dortmund proved their clutch mentality, but PSG’s attacking depth poses a new challenge.

The Opta supercomputer gives Real Madrid a 52.3% chance of victory, PSG 38.4%, and a draw 9.3%. However, PSG’s home-like support in the USA, thanks to Mbappé’s global fanbase, could make this a close contest.

Predictions: Who Will Reach the Final?

This semi-final pits PSG’s explosive attack against Real Madrid’s balanced approach. Here’s how it could unfold:

• Best Case for PSG: Mbappé and Dembélé combine for a 2-1 win, exploiting Real Madrid’s high line with pace.
• Best Case for Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham lead a 2-0 victory, with Modrić controlling the midfield.
• Our Prediction: PSG 2-2 Real Madrid (PSG wins on penalties). Mbappé’s clutch scoring and PSG’s press could edge out Real Madrid’s experience in a tight match.

The battle between Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. will decide who shines in New Jersey.

How to Watch in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia

• USA: Stream free on DAZN or watch on TNT, TBS, TruTV, fuboTV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV (3:00 PM EDT, July 9). Tickets available at FIFA.com/tickets.
• UK: DAZN (free) or Sky Sports (8:00 PM BST, July 9). Check BBC for potential coverage.
• Canada: DAZN (free, 3:00 PM EDT, July 9).
• Australia: DAZN (free) or Optus Sport (5:00 AM AEST, July 10).
• Pro Tip: Use NordVPN to access DAZN if traveling outside these regions.

FAQs

A Fan’s Take: Why This Match Has the USA Buzzing

As a soccer fan in the USA, I’m counting down the minutes for PSG vs Real Madrid! Watching Mbappé take on his former club at MetLife Stadium feels like a Hollywood blockbuster. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. brings that Brazilian flair, but PSG’s depth could make this a classic. The atmosphere in New Jersey will be unreal—fans waving PSG’s red and blue alongside Real Madrid’s white. Who’s your pick? Drop it below and join the hype!