FIFA Intercontinental Cup: PSG face Flamengo in final

Paris Saint-Germain take on Brazilian champions Flamengo this Wednesday in Doha (18:00 CET) in the Intercontinental Cup final, with Luis Enrique predicting a “thrilling” contest between two teams he believes share a similar footballing identity.

For PSG, the match represents a chance to become the first French club to win the Intercontinental Cup, adding another historic milestone to an already remarkable cycle under the Spanish coach. Flamengo, meanwhile, arrive chasing a landmark title that would end a 13-year wait for South American clubs on the world stage.

A familiar stage and a major opportunity

Luis Enrique returns to Qatar in familiar surroundings. Winner of the Intercontinental Cup with Barcelona in 2015, he also led Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha. This latest final, however, carries a special significance for Paris.

“We are aware of the importance of this final. It’s a beautiful thing to play an Intercontinental Cup final,” said the PSG head coach.

Already crowned UEFA Champions League, Club World Cup and Super Cup winners, PSG are contesting their fourth international final under Luis Enrique, underlining the continuity of a project built on control, intensity and collective identity.

“Making history at Paris was a very strong objective last season, and continuing to make history is the objective this season,” he added.

Flamengo chasing global glory

Flamengo arrive in Doha on the back of an outstanding 2025 season, having lifted both the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores. They are seeking their first world title since 1981, when they defeated Liverpool, and hoping to become only the seventh Brazilian club to be crowned world champions.

Their path to the final was demanding. Entering at the quarter-final stage, Flamengo edged past Cruz Azul 2–1 before beating Egypt’s Pyramids 2–0 in the semi-finals. The final also marks their 77th match of the season, highlighting the physical challenge facing Filipe Luís’ side.

PSG fresher, but wary

In contrast, PSG arrive significantly fresher, having played just 22 matches since the European season began. As reigning Champions League holders, the Parisians qualified directly for the final, following a statement 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in May’s European showpiece.

Domestically, PSG currently sit second in Ligue 1, one point behind Lens, but Luis Enrique believes his team has shown strong mental resilience after early-season difficulties.

“We’ve shown our ability to overcome different situations. This moment is the continuation of what we experienced last season,” he said.

The two sides have met three times in friendlies, with one win apiece and one draw, but Wednesday’s clash marks their first competitive meeting. With US$5 million awarded to the winners and major historical significance at stake, every detail could prove decisive.

Luis Enrique expects nothing less than a classic. “I think it will be a thrilling final, with two teams that have very similar playing styles. And I think it will be a great final.”