PSG Faces Real Madrid in Club World Cup Semifinal Without Key Defenders

New York, July 9, 2025 – The MetLife Stadium in New York is set to host a thrilling encounter this Wednesday evening as Paris Saint-Germain takes on Real Madrid in the semifinals of the Club World Cup. This highly anticipated clash promises intense competition as both teams vie for a spot in the final on July 13.

Key suspensions pose a challenge for PSG

The stakes are high for PSG and their manager, Luis Enrique, who will be without key players Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez. Both defenders are suspended following red cards received in the quarterfinal match against Bayern Munich. This suspension not only sidelines them for the semifinal but also ends their season prematurely, as the FIFA Disciplinary Commission has imposed a two-match ban.

Beraldo steps up

The absence of Pacho and Hernandez opens the door for young Brazilian defender Beraldo to partner with Marquinhos in the heart of PSG’s defense. Should PSG overcome the challenge posed by Real Madrid, Beraldo is expected to feature in the final as well, underlining the significance of this opportunity for the rising star.

Full squad readiness

Despite these setbacks, Luis Enrique will rely on his squad’s depth for this crucial fixture. Ousmane Dembélé, who impressed by scoring as a substitute against Bayern, is anticipated to start from the opening whistle in this semifinal showdown.

Projected PSG lineup

The likely starting XI for PSG against Real Madrid includes:

• Donnarumma
• Hakimi
• Marquinhos

• Beraldo
• Nuno Mendes
• Vitinha
• Joao Neves
• Fabian Ruiz
• Doué
• Dembélé
• Kvaratskhelia

As the countdown to kickoff continues, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this match unfolds, with both teams bringing their best to the field in pursuit of Club World Cup glory.