The much-anticipated debut of Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético de Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to be one of the biggest games of the opening round. Two European heavyweights with very different styles will face off at the legendary Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a historic venue for soccer in the U.S. Both clubs are chasing their first world title, adding even more intensity to a match that promises fireworks from the start.

Match date, and Kickoff time confirmed

The game will be played on Sunday, June 15 at the Rose Bowl, which famously hosted the 1994 World Cup final. It’s the first game in Group B, which also includes Brazilian side Botafogo, the Copa Libertadores champions. The build-up has been affected by tense social conditions in Los Angeles, which forced both teams to tweak their prep. Still, both PSG and Atlético are fully focused and ready.

Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. local time in California, 9:00 p.m. in Madrid). Romanian referee István Kovács will officiate the match. A packed crowd is expected, with thousands of fans eager to watch two clubs that still have something to prove on the world stage.

These two sides last met just seven months ago, when Atlético de Madrid pulled off a 2-1 win at the Parc des Princes in the Champions League group stage. That night, a last-minute goal from Ángel Correa stunned the home crowd in Paris. Since then, Luis Enrique’s side has transformed, winning every competition they’ve played and impressing with their attacking style—though they’ll be without injured winger Ousmane Dembélé.

Attacking questions: injuries and uncertainty

With Dembélé sidelined after picking up an injury with France in the Nations League, PSG may turn to young forward Bradley Barcola. On the Atlético side, Diego Simeone hasn’t confirmed who’ll partner Julián Álvarez up front: the in-form Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth, or veteran Antoine Griezmann, who’s gone 16 games without scoring and has lost his starting spot.

The Club World Cup is Atlético de Madrid’s last shot at silverware this season, after missing out in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. That’s why the Madrid club is going all in. After taking on PSG, they’ll face Botafogo on June 23, again at the Rose Bowl. For Simeone and his squad, this tournament isn’t just about lifting a trophy—it’s about redemption.