Luis Enrique leads PSG into Club World Cup as clear favourites

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PSG want to end their greatest season yet by conquering the world. BeSoccer

Paris Saint-Germain arrive at the Club World Cup as reigning Champions League holders. In great form, Luis Enrique's side head to the United States aiming to crown their season with the global title, and they are considered one of the big favourites to lift the trophy.

Luis Enrique has completed a masterstroke. The Spanish manager has guided Paris Saint-Germain to their first-ever Champions League title, and now he wants more.

With a squad built on teamwork and with Ousmane Dembele as the standout figure, the Parisians want to end their greatest season yet—after winning the treble—by conquering the world. First, though, they must get through Group B, which also includes Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, and Seattle Sounders.

PSG qualified for this tournament via UEFA's ranking system. While they recently won the 2024/25 Champions League, that victory actually earned them a place at the 2029 Club World Cup.

Their presence in the United States is thanks to strong performances in the four previous seasons, where they were consistently among the continent's best. The goal now, unsurprisingly, is to win the title.

Squad list

Players to watch

Ousmane Dembele has been PSG's most decisive player this season. Luis Enrique has brought out the best in him, using the Frenchman as a false nine rotating positions with Kvaratskhelia, Doue and Barcola.

Operating centrally, Dembele has not only scored frequently but also dropped deep to help build attacks.

The former Barcelona and Dortmund man is not the only player to shine. Kvaratskhelia and Doue have also had impressive seasons. The midfield deserves a mention as well, with Vitinha sitting deep and Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves providing balance on either side.

At the back, leaders Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi remain key.

Coach

Luis Enrique is arguably one of the best managers in the world. He has overcome the departure of Mbappe—previously PSG's star man—to turn the Parisians into a team defined by his identity. In his first year without the French striker, he has led the side to a treble.

At 55, he has already tasted success with Barcelona and now PSG, having also built solid foundations at Celta, Roma and the Spanish national team. Charismatic and tactically sharp, few managers today can match the achievements of the Asturian.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

The reigning Champions League holders will open their Club World Cup campaign with one of the most exciting fixtures of the group stage. Paris Saint-Germain face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, 15 June, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Matchday 2

Four days later, PSG are back in action. Luis Enrique's men will meet Botafogo, the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, on Friday, 20 June, again at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Matchday 3

To close out the group stage, PSG will take on MLS side Seattle Sounders. The final Group B fixture will be played on Monday, 23 June, at Lumen Field in Seattle, the Sounders' home ground.