As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup reaches its climax with a blockbuster final between Chelsea and PSG, a curious question has emerged among fans and pundits alike: Why won’t we see a third-place showdown between Real Madrid and Fluminense?

While both clubs boast world-class talent and tactical sophistication, a new and unexpected voice has added intrigue to the final: the Opta supercomputer.

Prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final, Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez issued a warning to FIFA over the competition's main concern ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

For Paris Saint-Germain, the stakes are historic—not only do they have the chance to seal an unprecedented international quadruple, but also to bring home one of the largest financial prizes in soccer history.

With a thrilling run to the final now complete, the West London club is just one win away from lifting the trophy—and cashing in on a financial windfall that dwarfs even Europe’s most prestigious competitions.

Despite the humbling exit, Los Blancos didn’t walk away empty-handed. Quite the opposite—their tournament run yielded one of the most lucrative prize hauls in club soccer history.

With fierce competition from Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior, one Real Madrid attacker has found himself on the fringes of Xabi Alonso’s plans.

Since returning from the Club World Cup, Inter Miami has won back-to-back games, largely thanks to Messi’s outstanding form and leadership on the pitch.

As soccer fans turn their eyes toward the Club World Cup final between two European giants this Sunday at MetLife Stadium, another story has quietly unfolded in the background—one that points to the future of the tournament. While Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to battle for international glory, four clubs have already secured their place at the next edition of the competition, set for summer 2029.

Despite only a few weeks in charge, Xabi Alonso managed to lead Real Madrid to the Club World Cup semifinals. However, the Spanish giants were eliminated by the reigning Champions League winners, PSG, ending their campaign.

Chelsea will face PSG in the title match, after beating Fluminense by the same score. Both European giants will battle to lift the trophy for the first time in this new expanded format.

Paris Saint-Germain shocked Real Madrid early in the semifinal, taking a 2–0 lead within the first 10 minutes.

Just as fans were getting ready for the match, the stadium announcer and video screens informed the crowd of the delay.

As Kylian Mbappe is facing his former club Paris Saint-Germain for the first time since his departure, many fans are puzzled by one lingering question: Why has the French superstar looked out of sorts at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

While fans anticipated a star-studded clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Real Madrid will be without one of its key players—a surprising absence that raises eyebrows just hours before kickoff.