The dream of the Intercontinental Cup for clubs between Paris and Flamengo

Paris Saint-Germain will face Brazilian side Flamengo on Wednesday evening in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2025, held at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. The match carries special significance as it pits the champions of Europe and South America against each other. Flamengo enters the game as the Copa Libertadores champions, while Paris Saint-Germain represents Europe after their historic Champions League victory. The French champions aim to continue their exceptional season and add another world title to their record, having already achieved unprecedented successes including the Champions League, Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Super Cup. They aspire to end the year with their sixth title, despite the disappointment of losing the Club World Cup final to Chelsea. Spanish coach Luis Enrique is expected to field a strong lineup featuring the team's elite players, led by 2025 Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, alongside Vitinha, Kvaratskhelia, and Barcolla. The defense will be anchored by Marquinhos, Pacho, and Zabarni, with Chevalier in goal, as Moroccan Achraf Hakimi continues his recovery from injury. Meanwhile, Flamengo enters the final with high hopes of securing their second title in the competition, following their 1981 triumph, and adding to South American clubs' achievements. They rely on strong results and remarkable stability under coach Filipe Luís. The Brazilian team will depend on a group of their key players, including playmaker Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro, winger Samuel Leno, and Colombian striker Jorge Carrascal, after a successful run that saw them eliminate Mexican side Cruz Azul and Egyptian club Pyramids FC. Flamengo boasts an impressive recent record, having suffered only one defeat in their last 12 matches across all competitions. They also possess prior experience in international tournaments, having reached the final of the 2019 edition and secured third place in the 2022 edition. Qatar's hosting of the tournament for the second consecutive time, following the previous edition won by Real Madrid, the record holders for the most titles, further confirms the country's status as a global destination for hosting major football events.