A blockbuster semifinal awaits at the Club World Cup as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid face off in a highly anticipated showdown, marked by Kylian Mbappé’s reunion with his former club. Xabi Alonso will have to manage the absence of Dean Huijsen, who had played every match under the Basque manager until now.
With Huijsen out, Madrid is expected to maintain the rest of its defensive lineup: Trent, Rüdiger, and Fran García are all locked in as starters. The midfield remains unchanged, with Arda Güler orchestrating the attack. The Turkish playmaker will be flanked by Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham, both of whom have been vital to Real Madrid’s success in this tournament. Valverde is currently the second-most prolific shooter in the competition and provides crucial balance to the team.
Mbappé likely to start
The biggest question lies up front, where Xabi Alonso faces a tough decision. Kylian Mbappé is a strong candidate to make his first start under Alonso after missing the early matches due to illness. He came off the bench against both Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, scoring a spectacular scissor-kick goal versus the German side to seal a 3–1 win.
Luis Enrique dealing with key suspensions
PSG will be without Willian Pacho for the semifinal clash. The Ecuadorian center-back, a vital part of Luis Enrique’s defensive setup, was sent off in the quarterfinal against Bayern Munich. Beraldo will likely take his place alongside Marquinhos. Additionally, Lucas Hernández received a straight red card in the same match and will also miss the semifinal—and potentially the final if PSG advances—leaving the Parisians shorthanded at the back.
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The rest of the starting XI is expected to mirror the one fielded against Bayern. Doué will be PSG’s primary attacking threat, while Vitinha will anchor the midfield, supported by Fabián Ruiz and João Neves.
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Projected starting lineups – PSG vs Real Madrid
PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián; Barcola, Doué, Kvaratskhelia.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Fran García, Asencio, Rüdiger, Valverde; Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham; Gonzalo, Mbappé, Vinícius.
