Dembele Set to Make Club World Cup Debut as PSG Prepares Star-Studded Lineup Against Real Madrid
The sole obstacle preventing Paris Saint-Germain from reaching the Club World Cup final is Xabi Alonso's revamped Real Madrid squad.
Excluding PSG's unexpected 1–0 loss to Botafogo during the group phase, the current European title holders have emerged as the most commanding force in the expanded Club World Cup format. Despite Ousmane Dembélé being sidelined with injury for much of the tournament, the Paris-based club has netted 12 goals across five games while allowing only a single goal.
PSG secured their spot in the Club World Cup semifinals through a 2–0 triumph over Bayern Munich, though they paid a price with two player dismissals. Both Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández received red cards during the match and will be unavailable for the Real Madrid encounter due to suspension.
However, there's positive news for the French titleholders as Dembélé may be ready for his tournament debut as a starter. The French winger showed glimpses of his former brilliance against Bayern Munich, entering as a substitute to net PSG's second goal. The Ballon d'Or contender will aim to shine against the Spanish powerhouse, whose attack will be spearheaded by his ex-teammate, Kylian Mbappé.
Here's how PSG's starting eleven might appear against Real Madrid on July 9.
PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-3-3)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The Italian goalkeeper received significant backlash for his challenge on Jamal Musiala that resulted in the young talent suffering a serious ankle injury. Apart from that incident, Donnarumma has performed admirably in the United States, allowing just one goal throughout the Club World Cup.
RB: Achraf Hakimi—Hakimi remains among PSG's most impressive performers and will relish the opportunity to face his previous club.
CB: Marquinhos—The skipper will bear the responsibility of neutralizing Mbappé and his teammates, particularly challenging without Pacho alongside him.
CB: Lucas Beraldo—With both Pacho and Hernández serving suspensions, Beraldo is poised for his fourth tournament appearance. The 21-year-old defender's sole start in the United States this summer occurred during PSG's only loss to Botafogo.
LB: Nuno Mendes—Similar to his Champions League performances, Mendes has excelled in the Club World Cup when facing elite opposition. The Portuguese defender acknowledged there's "something special" about confronting Mbappé in this semifinal clash.
CM: João Neves—Neves enters this crucial match having contributed three goals or assists in his previous two outings. The Portuguese midfielder has been among PSG's most overlooked performers in the Club World Cup.
CM: Vitinha—This midfielder has featured in every minute of PSG's Club World Cup campaign and will aim to help his team dominate possession against a Real Madrid squad that prefers to dictate the game's rhythm.
CM: Fabián Ruiz—Ruiz is preparing for his 60th appearance for PSG this season as the Parisians pursue their ambitious goal of capturing five trophies during their remarkable 2024–25 season.
RW: Désiré Doué—Following a sluggish beginning in the United States, Doué eventually scored his first Club World Cup goal. The 20-year-old's strike against Bayern Munich propelled PSG into the semifinals.
ST: Ousmane Dembélé—The French forward might earn his first tournament start after appearing only as a substitute in PSG's recent two fixtures. Despite his restricted playing time, Dembélé managed to score in the quarterfinals and could exploit a vulnerable Real Madrid backline.
LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—Kvaratskhelia continues searching for his inaugural goal or assist in the knockout rounds and may find the ideal chance against Trent Alexander-Arnold.