Paris Saint-Germain is now settled. For this first participation in the new format of the Club World Cup, this summer in the United States, the capital club now knows its three opponents during the group stage. The draw, carried out on Thursday evening in Miami, reserved a rather difficult group for Luis Enrique’s players.
The Parisians will in fact be entitled to a rematch against Atlético de Madrid as soon as they enter the competition. They lost against the same team (1-2) at the beginning of November, compromising their chances of reaching the knockout phase of the Champions League.
PSG will also meet Botafogo, recent winners of the Copa Libertadores last week. The Rio de janeiro club, also in the running for the brazilian title, is owned by John Textor, owner of Olympique Lyonnais. They will also face the North American MLS franchise Seattle Sounders, who were eliminated in the Western Conference final this year.
“It is a historic day for Paris Saint-Germain and for the 32 clubs that will participate in the 2025 FIFA Club world cup, who will compete to become the best team in the world next summer,” reacted PSG president Nasser Al- Khelaifi in a press release in the evening. We always want to fight for the biggest trophies and grow our fan base around the world. Next summer promises to be an exciting tournament in the United States for our players, our fans and the PSG family. »
In the event of qualification, the capital club will meet a member of group A. The rouge et Bleu could therefore face Palmeiras,Porto,Al Ahly or even Inter Miami of a certain Lionel messi in the round of 16.
Neymar-Mbappé duel?
In the other groups the large posters also deserve mention. In group C,Bayern Munich,Boca Juniors and Benfica Lisbon,accompanied by Auckland City,offer a good group. Manchester City and Juventus turin will problably compete for first place in Group G ahead of Wydad and Al-Ain.
While Real Madrid, the reigning European champions, are the favorites ahead of Al Hilal, Pachuca and Salzburg, Group H could very well have a nice reunion in store for us. Kylian Mbappé, a forward for the Merengues, and Neymar, who now plays in Saudi Arabia, will have the chance to face each other in this Club World Cup. The two men had long stood side by side under the PSG colors and their shared history had been the subject of much controversy.
the top two in each group will advance to the round of 16 of the competition, according to a 32-team scheme (compared to the previous seven) identical to the one in force during the last World Cup between Nations.
What impact will the new club World Cup format have on global football clubs like PSG?
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Martin, a sports economist and expert on global football trends. Dr. Martin, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss such an interesting topic.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in.Paris Saint-Germain, one of the premier football clubs in the world, is gearing up for their first participation in the new format of the Club World Cup this summer in the United States.What does this new format mean for teams like PSG?
Dr. Martin: The new format represents a meaningful shift in club competitions, moving from a traditional knockout system to a more inclusive league-style format. for PSG, this could mean increased visibility and a chance to showcase their talent on a global stage. It also provides an prospect for clubs to engage with audiences in different markets,especially here in the U.S., which is an emerging football market.
Interviewer: That’s a great point! How do you think this change aligns with PSG’s broader strategy of global brand expansion?
Dr. Martin: PSG has been very strategic about its global brand. They’ve invested in top-tier talent, and their presence in a high-profile tournament like the Club World Cup helps solidify their status internationally. The club is not just about winning championships; it’s about building a fan base and engaging with supporters around the world. this tournament allows them to tap into new markets, especially with the growing interest in soccer in the U.S.
Interviewer: Speaking of star power, PSG has notable players who attract attention.How crucial is player visibility during such tournaments?
Dr. Martin: Player visibility is crucial. High-profile players help draw in fans and media attention. Their performances can significantly impact the club’s merchandise sales, social media engagement, and overall brand appeal. The tournaments serve as a platform where players can shine, and for clubs like PSG with star-studded line-ups, it can lead to increased global sponsorship deals.
Interviewer: How does participation in international tournaments like the Club World Cup affect the financial aspects of clubs?
Dr.Martin: Participation in international tournaments can lead to significant financial rewards. Clubs earn money from television rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales. moreover, triumphant performances can lead to higher valuations, increase in merchandise sales, and even a boost in overall club prestige, which can attract more lucrative sponsorship deals in the long term.
Interviewer: That’s insightful! With this summer’s club World Cup being held in the U.S., how do you foresee the impact on American soccer?
Dr. Martin: The tournament has the potential to inspire a new generation of soccer fans in the U.S. Events like this can accelerate the growth of soccer’s popularity here. Local exposure to international clubs and players will enhance the viewing experience and can increase participation in grassroots programs and local leagues. It’s a unique opportunity to elevate the sport in a country where soccer is rapidly growing.
Interviewer: Thank you, dr. Martin! Before we wrap up, what are your final thoughts on PSG’s impending journey in the Club World Cup?
Dr. Martin: I believe PSG’s involvement in this new format will be pivotal. It’s not just about the sporting aspect; it’s about how they market themselves and leverage this opportunity to solidify their global brand. The success or failure of this tournament could reshape their future strategies and influence how other clubs approach international competitions. It’ll be interesting to watch!
interviewer: Absolutely! Thank you for your insights, Dr. Martin. Your expertise really sheds light on the evolving landscape of international football. We look forward to seeing how PSG performs this summer!
Dr. Martin: thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this with you.I’m looking forward to the tournament too!