PSG vs Bayern: 2025 FIFA CWC quarterfinal preview, prediction
PSG’s forward, Ousmane Dembele (left) with Bayern Munich midfielder, Jamal Musiala (right). Photo Credit- The Sporting News
European titans Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bayern Munich clash in a blockbuster 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal, a rematch of the 2020 Champions League final on Saturday, July 5, 2025, 12:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CEST), Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, with the winner advancing to face Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund. PSG, the reigning Champions League champions, dismantled Inter Miami 4-0 in the Round of 16, while Bayern outlasted Flamengo 4-2. This high-stakes showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium promises a battle of attacking prowess and intense pressing. This piece is set to preview both teams’ performances, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.
PSG recent performances
PSG topped Group B with six points, before a commanding 4-0 Round of 16 win over Inter Miami on June 29, 2025, with Joao Neves’ brace, an own goal, and Achraf Hakimi’s strike. In the 2024/25 Ligue 1, they secured their fourth straight title, scoring 89 goals in 34 matches, led by Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Their treble (Ligue 1, Champions League, Coupe de France) and 10 goals with just one conceded in the Club World Cup highlight their dominance, though their Botafogo slip-up exposed rare vulnerabilities.
PSG tactical analysis
Luis Enrique’s 4-3-3 emphasizes relentless pressing and quick transitions, averaging 59% possession, per The Analyst. Joao Neves and Vitinha control midfield, with Fabian Ruiz adding creativity. Dembele, back from injury, and Kvaratskhelia flank Desire Doue, whose false-nine role creates space. Achraf Hakimi’s overlapping runs and Nuno Mendes’ defensive solidity bolster the flanks, but PSG’s high line conceded against Botafogo, a potential weakness against Bayern’s counter-attacks.
PSG’s team news and injuries
PSG have a fully fit squad, with Ousmane Dembele returning from a thigh injury to play 28 minutes against Inter Miami and likely to start. Bradley Barcola, also back from injury, started against Inter Miami, giving Luis Enrique a selection dilemma with Goncalo Ramos. Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha, and Marquinhos are confirmed starters, with Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez anchoring defense. No new injuries are reported.
Predicted PSG XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Hernández; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Dembele, Doue, Kvaratskhelia.
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Bayern Munich recent form
Bayern finished second in Group E with six points, before a 4-2 Round of 16 win over Flamengo on June 30, 2025, with Harry Kane scoring twice, per Al Jazeera. In the 2024/25 Bundesliga, they won the title, scoring 92 goals in 34 matches, with Kane and Michael Olise leading the way. Their 16 goals in four Club World Cup games show attacking flair, but four goals conceded in their last three matches, suggest defensive frailties, especially after a Champions League quarterfinal exit to Inter Milan.
Bayern Munich tactical analysis
Vincent Kompany’s 4-2-3-1 relies on high-intensity pressing and clinical finishing, with 51% possession against Flamengo. Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer anchor midfield, with Kimmich’s key passes feeding Harry Kane. Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala provide width, but Kingsley Coman’s injury weakens their attack. Alphonso Davies’ forward runs stretch defenses, but Min-jae Kim’s struggles could be exposed by PSG’s pace.
Bayern Munich team news and injuries
Bayern are without Kingsley Coman, who hobbled off against Flamengo with a suspected hamstring injury, and Leroy Sane, who left for Galatasaray as a free agent. Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala are set for another Club World Cup start. Dayot Upamecano is doubtful with a knock, potentially leaving Min-jae Kim to face PSG’s attack. Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies are confirmed fit.
Predicted Bayern XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boey, Kim, De Ligt, Davies; Kimmich, Laimer; Olise, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane.
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PSG vs Bayern head-to-head statistics
PSG and Bayern have met 14 times in UEFA competitions, with Bayern leading 8-6. Their most recent clash was a 1-0 Bayern win in the 2024/25 Champions League league phase, with Min-jae Kim scoring and Dembele sent off. Key encounters include: 2020 Champions League Final: Bayern 1-0 PSG. 2020/21 Champions League Quarterfinal: PSG 3-2 Bayern, Bayern 1-0 PSG. 2022/23 Champions League Round of 16: Bayern 2-0 PSG, PSG 0-1 Bayern. Bayern’s recent edge and eight clean sheets in 14 meetings give them confidence, but PSG’s 4-0 rout of Inter Miami and eight wins in nine matches across competitions signal their momentum.
PSG vs Bayern score prediction
PSG are favorites in this quarterfinal fixture. PSG’s 10 goals and one conceded in four Club World Cup games, with seven first-half goals, showcase their attacking edge. Bayern’s 16 goals, including a 10-0 rout of Auckland, are offset by four goals conceded in three games. PSG and Bayern’s pressing promise a high-tempo game. PSG will be anticipating a reveng, but Bayern’s Kane remains a threat.
