PSG and Atlético Madrid in Talks for Stunning João Félix-Verratti Swap – Deal Could Shake Up Summer Transfer Window

Paris Saint-Germain open their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign tonight with a heavyweight Group B clash against Atlético Madrid, a meeting that pits Europe’s reigning champions against La Liga’s master tacticians. Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. ET in the United States, and global interest is surging as supporters look for live-stream details, confirmed line-ups, and last-minute predictions. High-stakes opener With only two group matches before the knockout phase, neither side can afford a slow start. PSG arrive on the back of a historic Champions League triumph and an unbeaten domestic season under Luis Enrique, while Diego Simeone’s Atlético secured their Club World Cup berth after lifting the revamped Intercontinental Play-off this spring. Both managers have been eager to downplay the “final before the final” narrative, yet a win tonight virtually guarantees passage to the round of 16. Confirmed line-ups Luis Enrique sticks with his preferred 4-3-3, led by Kylian Mbappé, who rejected summer overtures from Real Madrid to chase a first global title with his boyhood club. Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé flank the captain, with Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, and Warren Zaïre-Emery holding midfield. Marquinhos partners Milan Škriniar at the back, while Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal. Atlético respond with a compact 3-5-2: Antoine Griezmann floats behind Álvaro Morata in attack, Rodrigo De Paul marshals midfield, and new signing Robin Le Normand joins José María Giménez and Mario Hermoso in a resolute back three. Jan Oblak returns from a minor thigh strain to wear the armband. Key battles to watch • Mbappé vs. Giménez: PSG’s talisman will test Atleti’s high line; expect Simeone to double up with Nahuel Molina’s help. • Zaïre-Emery vs. De Paul: the 19-year-old Frenchman’s press resistance against the World Cup winner’s aggression could dictate tempo. • Hakimi overlaps: PSG’s right-back leads the tournament in progressive carries; Hermoso must time his covering runs flawlessly. Tactical notes PSG average 63 % possession in 2024-25, but Enrique has encouraged faster vertical transitions to exploit Mbappé’s pace in behind. Atlético, conversely, recorded the lowest xG conceded in La Liga by compacting central channels and springing counters once Griezmann drops between lines. Early signs suggest Simeone will sacrifice width, inviting PSG to cross—an area where Škriniar’s ability to attack second balls could be decisive. Odds and prediction Sportsbooks price PSG as narrow favorites at +120, with Atlético at +230 and a draw at +220. Over/under sits at 2.5 goals, reflecting both sides’ defensive pedigree. Expect a cagey first half before spaces open after the hour mark. Our pick: PSG 2-1 Atlético—with Mbappé netting a late winner. How to watch and live stream The fixture airs live on FOX Sports 1 in the U.S., TNT Sports in the U.K., and beIN Sports across MENA. Streaming options include Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and the official FIFA+ platform for select territories. Kick-off times: 21:00 CET, 20:00 BST, 15:00 ET, 12:00 PT. Headline-worthy stats • PSG have scored in 34 straight competitive matches. • Atlético boast the tournament’s best set-piece conversion rate (28 %). • Griezmann needs one goal to surpass Sergio Agüero as Atleti’s all-time continental scorer. Bottom line The opening night of Group B offers more than three points; it’s a statement of intent in the first expanded 32-team Club World Cup. Whether Mbappé’s firepower or Simeone’s siege mentality prevails, tonight’s result will reshape the knockout landscape and, quite possibly, the summer transfer market.