Having successfully navigated their way through the group stages, PSG and Inter Miami will now meet in a hotly contested Round of 16 tie which pits Lionel Messi against his former side for the first time since departing Paris.
After lifting their first-ever Champions League, many expected PSG to steamroll the competition on the way to winning yet another title. Those expectations appeared to be justified when they thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-0 on their tournament opener, before a surprising 1-0 defeat to South American champions Botafogo left the French giants needing a victory over Seattle Sounders to advance.
Whilst PSG were able to get the job done, they were not entirely convincing in their 2-0 victory, and those recent displays may give Inter Miami hope that they can spring an upset on their loftier rivals.
Indeed, in spite of their frustrating start to the 2025 season which saw them knocked out of the Concacaf Champions Cup in the semifinals by the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Herons have grown into this competition, and they now appear to be a dark horse who would be perilous to underestimate.
They started off their tournament with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Al-Ahly, before a statement 2-1 victory over Portuguese giants Porto put them on the brink of qualification for the knockouts.
Although they were eventually held to a 2-2 draw by Palmeiras in their final game, Inter Miami were 2-0 up and in control for large portions of that match, and they were unfortunate not to have won the game as they booked their place in the last-16.
With this contest between two impressive teams seeming to be finely poised, this encounter appears destined to be an intriguing affair.
PSG
PSG will hope to have Ousmane Dembélé available for this game, after the French winger, who scored 33 goals in all competitions last season, was unavailable for the group stage of the tournament as he was nursing a quad injury.
Beyond that, the French champions have no new injury concerns, meaning they go into the knockout rounds with a full contingent, which is a terrifying prospect for the Inter Miami defenders.
One interesting tactical choice for Luis Enrique to make is the question of who starts up front. Teenager Senny Mayulu started against Seattle after coming off the bench and scoring against Atletico and in the Champions League final, but Portuguese international Goncalo Ramos may be preferred as the more experienced option if Dembélé is not fit in time to start.
Inter Miami
Although Inter Miami conceded two late goals against Palmeiras to draw in their final group game and finish second in the group, they will be pleased with their displays in the tournament so far and brimming with confidence heading into this clash.
However, the Herons will be without goalkeeper Drake Callendar, as well as midfield duo David Ruiz and Yannick Bright, and defender Gonzalo Lujan, who have all missed large portions of the season out through injury. They will also be without defender Ian Fray, who started their first two matches of the tournament and will be a big miss in their backline.
Crucially for Inter Miami, their stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets all appear to be available and ready to face their former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique. Their quality and experience will be crucial for boosting their younger teammates like Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende, and will significantly boost their sides' chances of causing an upset.
Likely Lineups
PSG
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fabian; Doué, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia
Inter Miami
Ustari; Weigandt, Aviles, Allen, Alba; Allende, Redondo, Busquests, Segovia; Messi, Suarez
Key Players
PSG: Désiré Doué
Désiré Doué has enjoyed an excellent breakout year in his debut season for PSG, and he will need to be on top form if they are to advance to the quarterfinals.
He has produced some stellar displays during his time in Paris, scoring 15 goals and collected 16 assists throughout the campaign including a scintillating brace in the Parisiens 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
He has also been influential throughout the Club World Cup, starting every group stage game as PSG secured their place in the knockout stage. Last season, Doué had the most goal-scoring actions of any Ligue 1 player, and he will need to continue that form if PSG are to breach **Inter Miami**’s defence and win the game.
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari
Whilst most eyes will be focused on Lionel Messi, it is his compatriot Oscar Ustari who will arguably have a more significant impact in this match if Inter Miami are to advance.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper put in a stellar display in the opening match of the competition, as he made 8 saves, including stopping a penalty, as Inter Miami held Egyptian giants Al Ahly to a 0-0 draw.
With PSG, who scored 160 goals in all competitions last season, expected to dominate proceedings, Ustari will almost certainly have to repeat his heroics if Inter Miami are to keep the European Champions at bay. If he is able to do so, then that will give Lionel Messi and co the opportunity to go up the other end and grab the goal to snatch a historic victory.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 17:00 (GMT)
How can I watch?
The game will be broadcast live on DAZN like all other Club World Cup matches, with viewers in the UK also able to watch on Channel 5