It’s the final everyone hoped the bracket would give us. Paris Saint-Germain, the star-studded European giant chasing global validation, against Flamengo, the South American superclub fuelled by emotion, heritage, and a fanbase that turns every neutral stadium into a cauldron. Two footballing worlds, two identities, one trophy.
The Intercontinental Cup final often becomes a clash of cultures as much as clubs, and this year might be the purest example yet.
Table of Contents
PSG’s Season So Far
PSG walk into this final with confidence built on their greatest achievement: winning the UEFA Champions League, the club’s long-awaited breakthrough on the biggest stage. Their victory in the final not only ended years of scrutiny but also secured their place in this Intercontinental Cup, giving them a chance to follow continental glory with global recognition.
Domestically, PSG have been consistent, controlling Ligue 1 with a balanced approach built on strong defensive organisation and their trademark attacking threat. This season has felt more complete than previous ones, with fewer swings in form, clearer structure, and a sense of maturity that has long been missing. Their performances in this competition have reflected that stability, with calm, controlled wins that have brought them to another major final.
Flamengo’s Season So Far
Flamengo arrive as champions of South America, carrying the momentum of a strong Copa Libertadores campaign and a competitive showing in the Brasileirão. Their season has been marked by sharp attacking play, high work rate, and a squad that thrives in big atmospheres.
In the Intercontinental Cup, Flamengo have shown resilience and adaptability. They have come through tight games by leaning on their experience, their transitions, and the belief that they can compete with any team in the world. Their fanbase brings an energy that often feels like an extra player, and that spirit has carried Flamengo all the way to this final.
Flamengo’s Road to This Final
Flamengo arrive in the Intercontinental Cup final off the back of another huge year in South America. They booked their ticket by winning the 2025 Copa Libertadores, edging Palmeiras 1–0 in Lima thanks to a second-half header from Danilo, a result that delivered the club a fourth Libertadores crown and confirmed their status as the team to beat on the continent.
In this tournament, Flamengo first came through a tight quarter-final against Cruz Azul, where Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored twice – including a late chip confirmed by goal-line technology – in a 2–1 win. They then beat Pyramids FC 2–0 in the semi-final in Doha, with centre-back Léo Pereira and Danilo both scoring from set-piece deliveries by De Arrascaeta, underlining how dangerous Flamengo are from dead-ball situations.
This isn’t the first time Flamengo have stood one game away from being world champions. Their most recent Intercontinental Cup triumph came in 1981, when Zico led a legendary side to a 3–0 win over Liverpool in Tokyo. A performance that many Flamengo fans still regard as the greatest in the club’s history. FIFA has since recognised that title as a world championship, which means Flamengo go into this final not just as Libertadores holders, but as a club trying to add a second officially recognised world crown to a story that began more than 40 years ago.
Key Players
Paris Saint-Germain
Désiré Doué
The face of PSG’s new attacking identity. Doué has stepped up consistently in big domestic matches this season and has become one of the team’s most reliable creators. His ability to break lines with carries and take on defenders gives PSG a dimension Flamengo will struggle to contain. He knows how to show up in big games and he did so in the Champions League final being the Man Of The Match, so don’t be surprised if he is the match winner in this final.
Bradley Barcola
Barcola’s emergence has been a major reason PSG look more balanced this year. He provides width, speed, and end product, and his goal involvement has risen noticeably in the second half of the season. His movement behind the defence will be key if Flamengo press high.
Vitinha
Vitinha’s influence has grown massively. He dictates the tempo, breaks pressure with quick combinations, and has added more goals from midfield this year. His Champions League performances – especially his standout hat-trick against Tottenham in Europe – underline how big his impact can be on major occasions.
Flamengo
Bruno Henrique
Bruno Henrique gives Flamengo pace, experience, and a big-game threat on the left. Since joining the club in 2019, he has scored over 80 goals in all competitions and was named the 2019 Copa Libertadores Best Player, underscoring his ability to deliver on big stages. He remains one of Flamengo’s most dangerous outlets in transition: his direct runs and aerial presence stretch defences, create space for teammates, and make him a constant danger in a final that could be decided by one quick break or a back-post cross.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta
The creative heartbeat. Arrascaeta not only pulls the strings in open play but has already delivered on this exact stage: in the Intercontinental Cup quarter-final against Cruz Azul he scored both goals in a 2–1 win, including a brilliant second-half chip confirmed by goal-line technology.
Éverton Cebolinha
The wide outlet that gives Flamengo width and unpredictability. Playing as a forward for Flamengo, Everton has chipped in with multiple assists and a goal in the 2025 Série A campaign, reflecting his role more as a creator than pure finisher.
He recently started in the Intercontinental Cup tie against Cruz Azul and was heavily involved down the flank, showing how important his ball-carrying and crossing are to Flamengo’s attacking plan.
Predicted Lineups
PSG
Flamego
Battle Of The In-Form Giants
Both teams arrive in Doha with genuine momentum behind them, built through meaningful matches rather than soft fixtures.
For Flamengo, the run began in South America. They won the Copa Libertadores, and only days later, they secured the Brasileirão title with a controlled 1–0 win against Ceará at the Maracanã, proving their ability to handle back-to-back decisive games.
Their form carried into the Intercontinental Cup. Flamengo opened their campaign with a 2–1 win over Cruz Azul, where Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored both goals, including a memorable chipped finish. In the semi-final, they followed that up with a composed 2–0 win against Pyramids FC, a performance that highlighted their balance and maturity.
PSG’s momentum stems from a different stage entirely. Their season-defining moment came with a dominant 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, a performance that showcased their attacking power and secured their place in this Intercontinental Cup final. Since then, they have continued to impose themselves domestically, including key wins such as a 1–0 title-clinching result over Angers and a commanding 5–0 victory against Rennes.
They also carried that confidence back into Europe with a thrilling 5–3 win over Tottenham in the Champions League, underlining the speed and sharpness of their attack.
Flamengo arrive hardened by battles against Palmeiras, Cruz Azul and Pyramids.
PSG arrive fuelled by statement wins over Inter, Tottenham and Rennes.
In Doha, one of those streaks finally breaks.
Prediction
Prediction: PSG 2–1 Flamengo
This final should be tight, with both teams carrying real momentum. Flamengo have enough quality in the final third to create chances on the break and rarely get blown away, but PSG are more likely to control the ball and build sustained pressure. Over 90 minutes, that extra attacking rhythm and starpower from the likes of Doué and Dembele may be the difference.
