Reece James is certain: Chelsea will win the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Blues captain acknowledges that the Champions League winners are seen as the favorites by the outside world, but that doesn’t bother him at all.
Reece James is brimming with confidence ahead of what promises to be one of the most significant fixtures in Chelsea’s recent history: the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 21:00, the match will not only crown a new world champion but also mark the first time the tournament is held under its expanded and modernized format. With the eyes of the footballing world turning to this global showdown, both clubs will be vying to write their names in the history books but James is convinced Chelsea will be the ones lifting the trophy.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Blues’ captain did not shy away from making bold claims. “Everyone is praising our opponent, but we’ve prepared well and we’re going to win,” said the England international, whose leadership has been key to Chelsea’s recent resurgence. His words reflected not arrogance, but a deep sense of belief in the preparation, tactics, and collective strength of his team.
James acknowledged the challenge posed by PSG, a team stacked with elite talent and the reigning UEFA Champions League winners. “People see them as the favorites,” he said, “but I’ve played in many finals where we were considered favorites and didn’t win. So it doesn’t mean much to me, and honestly, I don’t care.” It was a pointed reminder that football matches, especially finals, are not decided by hype or status, but by performance on the day. His comment may have alluded to his experience in the Euro 2021 final, where England were widely expected to beat Italy but ultimately lost on penalties a bitter memory that seems to have made James mentally tougher.
Despite the strength of PSG’s squad featuring stars like Kylian Mbappé, Marquinhos, and Vitinha James was eager to shift focus to the qualities within Chelsea’s own camp. “We have a fantastic squad, and I believe we’re going to surprise a lot of people,” he stated with conviction. That belief isn’t without reason. Chelsea have had a strong run in the competition, dispatching continental champions from other confederations with controlled and composed performances, showing tactical maturity and a growing cohesion under their current manager.
The right-back also touched on the tactical demands of the final. “The match will be tougher for the team without possession,” he said, acknowledging PSG’s dominance in ball control throughout the tournament. “But we play under the same conditions. It’s all about how you adapt and respond under pressure.” Chelsea’s ability to counterattack with speed and precision, often spearheaded by emerging talents and experienced leaders alike, may well prove to be the key weapon in their approach.
The stakes could not be higher. For PSG, the final is a chance to complete a historic treble and cement their global stature. For Chelsea, it’s an opportunity to bounce back from recent domestic challenges and showcase their revival on the biggest stage. It’s also a moment of significance for manager Enzo Maresca, who is aiming to win his first major international trophy as a head coach. A triumph would validate the club’s recent decisions on and off the pitch, especially their renewed focus on youth development and dynamic, adaptable football.
There’s also a symbolic dimension to this clash: two clubs backed by immense resources and star-studded squads, both desperate to prove that their project can lead to sustained global success. While PSG have often been criticized for falling short in finals, Chelsea have earned a reputation for stepping up when it matters most as evidenced by their Champions League triumphs in 2012 and 2021.
As kickoff approaches, fans across the world are preparing for what could be an unforgettable clash. Will PSG’s technical brilliance shine through? Or will Chelsea’s grit, organization, and confidence embodied by their captain Reece James carry them to glory?
What’s certain is that history will be made on Sunday night. One of these European powerhouses will become the first-ever winner of the Club World Cup in its new format. And if Reece James’ words are anything to go by, Chelsea are heading into the battle not just to compete but to conquer.
