By Ayomide Otitoju
Fresh off their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have landed in the United States with their sights firmly set on conquering the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
The French champions, who defeated Inter Milan 5–0 in Munich two weeks ago to end decades of European frustration, are approaching the global tournament not as an end-of-season burden but as a fresh opportunity to cement their dominance.
“I think it is an incredible competition,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said following the Champions League victory. His side, backed by Qatari ownership, also swept all domestic trophies in France this season and now hope to cap the campaign with global silverware.
Club captain Marquinhos led a historic trophy parade along the Champs-Élysées, and the squad was celebrated at the Parc des Princes and hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.
PSG will kick off their Club World Cup campaign this weekend at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena against Spain’s Atletico Madrid. They will also face Brazilian side Botafogo and MLS champions Seattle Sounders in Group B.
Despite playing 58 matches since last August and several players recently returning from international duty, the team remains focused. “We have to balance fatigue with the motivation of being in this competition,” said one official.
Star forward Ousmane Dembélé, PSG’s top scorer with 33 goals, is doubtful after sustaining an injury while on France duty. Additionally, PSG did not add reinforcements during the short pre-tournament transfer window, despite reported interest in Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi.
Nonetheless, with a record $125 million prize on offer for the top-performing European club, PSG are aiming to extend their triumphant season through to the final in New York on July 13 — just a month before they return to action in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspu
