(Paris Saint-Germain) PSG vs Botafogo on June 20, 2025, in a crucial Group B clash at the FIFA Club World Cup. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 AM PDT at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Both teams come into this encounter with strong momentum, having secured wins in their opening matches. PSG impressed with a commanding 4–0 victory over Atlético Madrid, while Botafogo edged past Seattle Sounders FC to claim three points. With both sides level at the top of the group, this matchup could play a decisive role in determining who advances to the knockout stages. Fans can follow the action live through broadcasters like ESPN or streaming platforms such as Sofascore, which will provide real-time updates, stats, and line-ups.
Recent Team Form
An enhanced look at both teams’ form leading into their showdown:
Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) Form
PSG have been in imperious form this season under Luis Enrique. Domestically, they’ve clinched the Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France, and famously completed a Champions League treble — including a dominant 5–0 win over Inter Milan and a 7–0 rout of Brest prior to the Club World Cup . At the Club World Cup, they opened with a crushing 4–0 victory against Atlético Madrid, demonstrating sharp attack and control . However, recent Ligue 1 form has shown occasional hiccups: a 1–3 home loss to Nice and a 1–2 away defeat at Strasbourg, mixed with some important wins and draws .
Summary: Elite and confident, with occasional defensive vulnerabilities.
Botafogo Form
Botafogo arrive on the back of real momentum, having won their maiden Copa Libertadores (3–1 over Atlético Mineiro) . Their domestic season is solid — currently 6th in Brasileirão and boasting a strong home record with three wins in four Serie A matches . They’ve amassed 10 goals scored and conceded just 5 over eight league games . In the Club World Cup opener, they edged past Seattle 2–1 with a gritty display and reliable set‑piece execution .
Summary: Riding high on continental success, defensively solid, impressive at home, but occasionally inconsistent away.
Team Details
The key team details for PSG and Botafogo ahead of their Group B clash at the FIFA Club World Cup:
Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG)
Head Coach: Luis Enrique
Tactical Setup: Typically deploys a 4‑3‑3 formation with a fluid attacking front and a robust midfield.
Star Players:
Ousmane Dembélé (LW) – joint top-scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals; instrumental in Champions League win; recorded 33 goals and 15 assists across the season .
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (RW) – Georgian forward joined in January; vital in Europa bounce and Champions League final, scored in both Ligue 1 and the final .
Warren Zaïre‑Emery (CM) – midfield prodigy, becomes youngest PSG captain briefly; pivotal across treble campaign .
Defenders like Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, plus goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also starred in the 4–0 win over Atletico Madrid .
Botafogo
Head Coach: Luís Castro
Formation: Usually a solid defensive base with flexibility to counter-attack.
Key Players:
John – Brazil international goalkeeper with a 6’5″ frame, awarded for his focus and reflexes; part of domestic and Copa Libertadores titles .
Bastos – Experienced Angolan centre-back; first African to win Copa Libertadores in 2024 .
Santiago Rodríguez – Young Uruguayan attacking midfielder signed in early 2025; provides creativity in midfield .
New forward Joaquín Correa (from Inter Milan) joined ahead of the tournament; adds attacking depth .
Predicted Lineup
the predicted starting lineups for the showdown between PSG and Botafogo in the FIFA Club World Cup:
Paris Saint‑Germain (4‑3‑3)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (RB), Marquinhos (CB), Pacho (CB), Nuno Mendes (LB)
Midfield: Fabián (CM), Neves (CM), Vitinha (CM)
Attack: Doué (LW), Gonçalo Ramos (CF), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (RW)
Coach: Luis Enrique
Bail-out tactics: With Ousmane Dembélé confirmed out and Bradley Barcola doubtful, PSG lean on their depth—Doué and Ramos stepping into front‑line roles .
Balanced midfield: Fabián and Neves sit in central engine roles alongside Vitinha’s creative control .
Botafogo (4‑3‑3)
GK: John
Defenders: Vitinho (RB), Bastos (CB), Barboza (CB), Telles (LB)
Midfield: Gregore (CM), Freitas (CM), Santiago Rodríguez (AM)
Attack: Savarino (RW), Igor Jesus (CF), Mastriani (LW)
Coach: Luís Castro
Defense-first: Anchored by Bastos and Barboza, with full‑backs helping both defensively and offensively .
Midfield solidity: Gregore and Freitas provide grit, Rodriguez supplies creativity, opening spaces for Savarino and Igor Jesus .
Importance of PSG vs Botafogo – FIFA World Cup 2025
The upcoming clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo in the FIFA Club World Cup Group B is one of the most crucial matches of the tournament’s group stage. Both teams enter the match on equal footing — each with three points from their opening victories — making this fixture a potential group decider.
Group Stakes
• Winner advances to semifinals: A win guarantees a top spot in Group B, easing the semifinal path and avoiding a tougher opponent from Group A.
• Draw adds pressure: A draw would mean both teams go into their final group matches needing favorable results — a risky scenario.
• Losing team under threat: A loss could lead to group-stage elimination if they drop points in the third game.
Prestige and Momentum
• For PSG: As the reigning European and French champions, a dominant showing reinforces their global stature and pursuit of their first Club World Cup title.
• For Botafogo: A win over PSG would be monumental — showcasing Brazilian club football’s resurgence and legitimizing Botafogo’s rise as a continental and international force.
Tactical and Emotional Edge
• Both sides bring contrasting football cultures — PSG’s high-press, star-powered tactics vs. Botafogo’s organized, adaptive resilience.
• It’s also a rare South America vs Europe clash that brings prestige, passion, and global fan attention.
Conclusion of PSG vs Botafogo
The PSG vs Botafogo matchup at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is more than just a group-stage fixture, it’s a high-stakes battle between two in-form champions with everything to play for. PSG, armed with star power and European dominance, will look to assert their superiority and book an early ticket to the semifinals. Botafogo, riding the momentum of their historic Copa Libertadores win, aim to defy expectations and prove they can compete with the world’s elite. With both sides level on points, this clash will likely decide who tops Group B and shapes the knockout stage landscape. Expect a fiercely competitive encounter where tactical discipline, big-game temperament, and clinical finishing will be the difference.
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