PSG Clash with Botafogo: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting Lineups
Paris Saint-Germain return to Club World Cup competition this Thursday night when they face Brazilian outfit Botafogo in California.
This encounter pits Europe's finest against South America's champions, with Botafogo arriving as Copa Libertadores winners while PSG secured UEFA Champions League success in impressive fashion at May's conclusion.
The Parisians maintained their momentum from Munich in their tournament opener, comprehensively defeating Atlético Madrid 4–0. PSG displayed their characteristic excellence, though some late strikes enhanced the final margin.
They've established themselves among the tournament favorites this summer, and success here would virtually guarantee Luis Enrique's squad a Round of 16 berth as group leaders. Botafogo also secured victory on opening day, though against less challenging opponents in Seattle Sounders.
Despite South American clubs performing admirably in the United States thus far, this represents a significant challenge for Fogo, who entered with modest expectations following an inconsistent beginning to their 2025 campaign.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this Club World Cup encounter.
What Time Does PSG vs. Botafogo Kick-Off?
PSG vs. Botafogo Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between PSG and Botafogo.
Current Form (all competitions)
PSG | Botafogo |
|---|---|
PSG 4–0 Atlético Madrid – 15/06/25 | Botafogo 2–1 Seattle Sounders – 15/06/25 |
PSG 5–0 Inter – 31/05/25 | Botafogo 3–2 Ceará – 05/06/25 |
PSG 3–0 Reims – 24/05/25 | Santos 0–1 Botafogo – 01/06/25 |
PSG 3–1 Auxerre – 17/05/25 | Botafogo 1–0 Universidad de Chile – 28/05/25 |
Montpellier 1–4 PSG – 10/05/25 | Capital 1–0 Botafogo – 23/05/25 |
How to Watch PSG vs. Botafogo on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | DAZN |
United Kingdom | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN |
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PSG Team News
Enrique deployed nearly his strongest lineup on opening day against Atlético Madrid, and with the European champions targeting a deep tournament run, rotation would be surprising for this match.
No new injury concerns are reported in the PSG camp, though Ousmané Dembélé may remain sidelined with the thigh problem picked up during international duty. Bradley Barcola is expected to return to action.
Gonçalo Ramos spearheaded the attack in the Frenchman's absence and could retain his starting role. Warren Zaïre-Emery and Lee Kang-in are candidates to start after substitute appearances last match, while Lucas Beraldo and Lucas Hernandez may feature in defense.
Enrique selected just a 24-man tournament squad, among the competition's smallest rosters.
PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Botafogo
PSG predicted lineup vs. Botafogo (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Hernandez; Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Ramos, Barcola
Botafogo Team News
The Brazilians acquired Joaquin Correa and Arthur Cabral prior to tournament commencement, with both making substitute appearances against Seattle Sounders. Both are likely to fulfill similar roles Thursday, as Paiva appears set to field a comparable starting eleven.
Cuiabano also made a brief appearance on opening day but was questionable for this fixture due to back problems. However, the winger is now anticipated to recover in time.
They have no other injury worries, and Nottingham Forest-bound Igor Jesus will continue as their primary goalscorer after finding the net in their 2–1 weekend triumph.
Botafogo Predicted Lineup vs. PSG
Botafogo predicted lineup vs. PSG (4-2-3-1): John; Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Freitas; Artur, Savarino, Cuiabano; Jesus
PSG vs. Botafogo Score Prediction
Botafogo struggled to maintain control against Seattle in their previous outing, with their second-half defensive approach concerning given Thursday's elevated opposition quality. South American sides have generally adopted attacking approaches against European teams, but Fogo cannot afford such boldness here.
A more cautious strategy is essential, and they must hope PSG experiences an uncharacteristic off day in attack. The French powerhouse will consistently exploit their exceptional front three, creating opportunities at will. They appear unstoppable.
Expect Enrique's team to earn their victory, but they should prevail comfortably.