PSG and Atletico Madrid Clash in FIFA Club World Cup Opener

LOS ANGELES, California — The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off today with a high-stakes matchup between European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl Stadium. The match begins at 20:00 BST.

PSG, who recently defeated Inter Milan in the Champions League final, are heavily favored to win the tournament with an 18.5% chance, according to football stats specialists Opta. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will be looking to upset the odds as they face off against a powerful PSG side.

In their squad, PSG will be without key forward Ousmane Dembele due to injury. However, they still boast talents like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Gonçalo Ramos, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Their starting lineup also includes defenders Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos.

Atletico Madrid, managed by Diego Simeone, enters the tournament with a near-full strength squad, including Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez. England midfielder Conor Gallagher and other substitutes will provide depth for the team.

The match is crucial not just for bragging rights but for early momentum in Group B, which also features Botafogo and Seattle Sounders. Atletico will aim to replicate their earlier Champions League victory over PSG from November.

Earlier in the tournament, Bayern Munich made headlines with a record-setting 10-0 win over Auckland City, the biggest margin in FIFA Club World Cup history. PSG and Atletico must navigate a challenging path if they hope to follow Munich’s lead.

Fans are eager to see if PSG can capitalize on their recent success and claim the Club World Cup title. As Luis Enrique’s squad gears up for this battle, the outcome could significantly influence their chances of securing a place in the knockout stages of the competition.