The FIFA Club World Cup is set to bring a wave of excitement to the United States this summer. Among the 32 teams that have earned their spot in this prestigious tournament is French giant Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who secured their place on the basis of their commendable performance in the UEFA Champions League over the years 2021 to 2024.
In a draw held in December, PSG was selected to play in Group B. Their competitors in this group are Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, and Seattle Sounders, each of them formidable in their own right.
Atletico Madrid, a powerhouse in Spanish football, mirrors PSG’s qualification route, having secured their place via the ranking pathway. With a record of 11 La Liga titles under their belt, the most recent one secured in the 2020/21 season, they are an opponent not to be underestimated. Despite their UEFA Champions League final losses to city rivals Real Madrid twice in the last decade, they have demonstrated their strength by defeating PSG 2-1 at Parc des Princes in this season’s Champions League. The two teams have also encountered each other in pre-season friendlies.
Next up is Brazilian team Botafogo, the last team to book their spot in the 2025 Club World Cup by clinching the 2024 Copa Libertadores. Having been crowned Brasileiro Série A champions thrice, with their most recent victory in 2024, they are coming off a stellar year, having won their first Copa Libertadores. They are a fresh challenge for PSG, as the two teams have never faced each other before. Their encounter in June is eagerly anticipated.
The third competitor, Seattle Sounders, represent the host nation. Having earned their spot as the 2022 Concacaf Champions, they will play all three group games at their home ground, Lumen Field. They have a track record of success in the United States, having won the MLS Cup twice in 2016 and 2019 and boasting a Concacaf trophy. Their match against PSG will be the first meeting between the two sides and is set to be the final group game.
As the FIFA Club World Cup edges closer, football fans worldwide are keeping their eyes peeled for the latest updates. Jordan Merritt, a freelance soccer writer who covers Real Madrid CF, Bayern Munich, and PSG for Sports Illustrated, is a go-to source for many. As an ardent soccer fan and an Arsenal supporter, Merritt’s coverage of the game is comprehensive and insightful.
With the tournament kicking off in June, anticipation is building for PSG’s encounters with Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, and Seattle Sounders. The FIFA Club World Cup promises a thrilling spectacle of football, one that fans won’t want to miss.
