Paris Saint-Germain aim to assert their dominance in Group B of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup when they face Botafogo at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 02:00 GMT.
Fresh off their UEFA Champions League triumph, PSG enter the tournament as favourites, having secured a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final on May 31, 2025. Botafogo, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, look to make a statement as underdogs after clinching their spot with a dramatic win in the South American competition on November 30, 2024.
Match Preview
PSG kicked off their Group B campaign against Atlético Madrid on June 15, showcasing their attacking prowess by recording a 4-0 victory according to our football facts. The game also saw Luis Enrique’s team keep a third straight clean sheet. At the other end of the pitch, the Parisians have been lethal in the final third, scoring 21 goals in their last six games across all competitions, led by the dynamic Ousmane Dembélé.
The team from the French capital has a perfect record against Brazilian opposition in competitive fixtures, winning all three previous encounters, including a 2-0 victory over Palmeiras in the 2000 Intercontinental Cup. However, there are concerns of fatigue for the French champions because of a packed recent schedule. Their opening game win may have dispelled any doubts over the fitness of their squad, though.
Botafogo, under the ambitious ownership of American John Textor, are riding high after their Série A and Copa Libertadores double in 2024. Their group stage opener against Seattle Sounders on June 15 saw them create numerous chances and emerge with a 2-1 win. The Brazilian side has scored six goals in their last three matches in all competitions.
Head coach Artur Jorge will be wary of PSG’s firepower but confident in Botafogo’s attacking threats, particularly through forwards Igor Jesus and Jefferson Savarino. Botafogo have lost just once in their last nine competitive outings.
The two sides have never met in a competitive fixture, adding an element of unpredictability to this clash. PSG are expected to control possession, but Botafogo’s counter-attacking style could exploit any lapses in the French side’s high defensive line.
PSG FIFA Club World Cup form:
PSG form (all competitions):
Botafogo FIFA Club World Cup form:
Botafogo form (all competitions):
Team News
Paris Saint-Germain:
Luis Enrique is likely to field a strong XI, with Ousmane Dembélé leading the attack alongside Désiré Doué, who earned Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Season award with six goals and six assists in 2024-25. Midfield maestro Vitinha is expected to anchor the engine room, supported by João Neves and Fabian Ruiz. The backline may feature Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Pacho, and Nuno Mendes, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. Enrique has no major injury concerns, though he may rotate to manage fatigue.
Botafogo:
Artur Jorge could rely on Marlon Freitas to pull the strings in midfield, with Artur and Jefferson Savarino providing width. Igor Jesus, who has been prolific in Série A, is set to lead the line. The defensive unit may include Alex Telles and Vitinho, with goalkeeper John Victor tasked with keeping PSG’s attack at bay. Botafogo have a fully fit squad, bolstered by signings made during the special transfer window from June 1-10, 2025.
PSG possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Dembélé
Botafogo possible starting lineup:
Victor; Vitinho, Jair Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Savarino; Gregore, Freitas, Artur; Jesus, Mastriani
We Say: PSG 3-1 Botafogo
PSG’s superior squad depth and attacking quality make them the clear favourites, especially with their recent Champions League success fuelling confidence. Botafogo’s pace on the counter could trouble PSG’s defence, but the French side’s ability to capitalise on chances should see them secure a comfortable victory. Expect Dembélé or Doué to make the difference in a high-scoring affair.
