Football fans around the world hoping to see a star-studded clash between Real Madrid and Fluminense will be disappointed. This year’s FIFA Club World Cup, currently taking place in the United States, will not feature a third place match. The decision, made by FIFA as part of the tournament’s new 32-team format, marks a major break from tradition.

Real Madrid, after a stunning 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, and Fluminense, who fell 2-0 to Chelsea, have both been knocked out in the semifinals. In previous years, these two sides would have met one more time to compete for third place. But this time, they are heading home early, with no chance to end the tournament on a high.

FIFA says the change was made with player welfare in mind. With long seasons, looming domestic league campaigns, and the summer transfer window in full swing, the organization believes it is best to allow teams to return to their regular schedules without the added pressure of a consolation game. The goal, they say, is to reduce fatigue and focus on quality over quantity.

Not everyone is pleased. Many fans were eager to see Real Madrid face Fluminense, a match that would have delivered not just entertainment but a final moment of pride for both clubs. Social media has been buzzing with reactions, with some calling the decision understandable and others saying it takes away from the full experience of a world tournament.

With the third place match scrapped, all eyes now turn to Sunday’s final between Chelsea and PSG. It is the last fixture of this new-look Club World Cup and promises to be a high-stakes showdown. For Real Madrid and Fluminense, the journey ends here, not with one last match, but with the memories of what might have been.

Paris Saint-Germain have booked their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final after a commanding 4–0 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night at the Parc des Princes. The French champions stunned the Spanish giants with a first-half blitz, featuring two goals from Fabián Ruiz and one from Ousmane Dembélé. Gonçalo Ramos sealed the result late in the second half.

Luis Enrique’s side dominated proceedings from the start, overwhelming Madrid with high-pressing, fluid attacking moves and clinical finishing. Real Madrid, despite their pedigree, looked out of sorts and failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.

The result sets up a mouthwatering clash between PSG and Chelsea, who defeated Palmeiras in the other semi-final. The two European heavyweights will meet on Sunday in what will be PSG’s first appearance in a Club World Cup final.

Chelsea will be looking to lift the trophy for the second time in their history, while PSG will be aiming to crown their recent European resurgence with their first global title.

Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, 13 July, with venue and match details expected to be confirmed by FIFA shortly.

Paris Saint-Germain delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday night, defeating Real Madrid 4–0 in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at the Parc des Princes. The French champions stunned the Spanish giants with three goals inside the opening 25 minutes, courtesy of a brace from Fabián Ruiz and a well-taken strike by Ousmane Dembélé. Substitute Gonçalo Ramos added a fourth in the 88th minute, sealing a commanding victory that sends PSG into the final against Chelsea.

PSG’s electric start left Madrid shell-shocked. Ruiz opened the scoring in the 6th minute after exploiting a defensive lapse, and Dembélé followed up with a composed finish just three minutes later. Ruiz struck again in the 24th minute, completing his brace with a low shot from outside the box. Madrid’s defense struggled to cope with PSG’s intensity, while their midfield failed to establish any rhythm.

Real Madrid showed slight improvement in the second half but were unable to break through PSG’s well-organised setup. Any hope of a late comeback was extinguished when Gonçalo Ramos reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area and scored the fourth goal. The result marked one of Madrid’s heaviest defeats in international competition in recent years.

Speaking after the match, PSG manager Luis Enrique praised his players for their discipline, urgency, and precision. “This is the kind of football we want to play, fast, aggressive, and with purpose,” he said. In contrast, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team had been thoroughly outclassed, adding, “We were outplayed in every department. PSG were exceptional tonight.”

The result propels PSG into the Club World Cup final, where they will face Premier League side Chelsea on Sunday. For Real Madrid, the defeat signals more than just a missed final—it highlights serious tactical and structural questions that will need urgent answers ahead of the new season. They now turn their focus to the third-place playoff as PSG chase their first global title.