FIFA Club World Cup: PSG set for heavyweight clash with Bayern Munich

Luis Enrique’s men arrive in the United States as treble winners and early favourites to lift the revamped Club World Cup trophy – but must now navigate past a familiar European rival in the shape of Bayern Munich.

PSG flex their muscles in Inter rout

The Ligue 1 McDonald's champions underlined their title credentials with a ruthless 4-0 dismantling of Inter Miami in the last 16. First-half goals from João Neves (x2) and Achraf Hakimi, plus a Tomas Avilés own goal, saw off Lionel Messi’s side in emphatic style.

Still riding the wave of their historic 2024–25 campaign, which saw them win Ligue 1 McDonald's, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Champions League, PSG have impressed in the United States. No side at the tournament has averaged more possession (72%), completed more passes (2,888), or conceded fewer goals (1).

Luis Enrique, however, is wary of a Bayern side that have caused PSG problems in recent years. “Now it’s about recuperating and preparing in the best possible conditions,” the Spaniard said. PSG have lost their last four meetings with the German giants, failing to score in each.

Kane fires Bayern into quarters

Bayern Munich earned their place in the last eight after seeing off Flamengo 4-2 in a high-octane battle in Miami Gardens. Harry Kane scored twice to take his tally to 41 goals for the season, with Leon Goretzka and an own goal also on the scoresheet.

Vincent Kompany’s side, who finished runners-up in their group behind Benfica, remain strong contenders to win a third Club World Cup title. Their pressing has been among the most intense in the competition: Bayern lead in high turnovers (56), pressed sequences (68), and are second only to PSG in final-third passes (955).

Kompany has promised Bayern will be “ready for the big stage,” as they prepare for a ninth meeting with PSG in the last five years.

Team News

PSG welcomed back Ousmane Dembélé from a thigh injury in the win over Inter, although the winger may not be ready to start. That means Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola could continue in the front three.

Fabian Ruiz and captain Marquinhos are both expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested at half-time in the last 16.

Bayern are without Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito through injury, while Kim Min-jae is nearing a return but unlikely to feature. Leroy Sané has officially left the club, and Thomas Müller could make his final Bayern appearance. Kingsley Coman is expected to be fit after a muscle concern.

Probable lineups

Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Barcola, Doué, Kvaratskhelia

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Stanisic; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane

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