Flamengo and Paris Saint-Germain will go head-to-head this Wednesday in Qatar, with the FIFA Intercontinental Cup title on the line. The Brazilian giants are aiming to end a 13-year drought for South American clubs, with the last triumph coming in 2012, when Corinthians defeated Chelsea in the final.

Fresh off winning both the Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores in 2025, Flamengo are chasing a landmark trophy they last claimed in 1981, after beating Liverpool. Only five other Brazilian clubs have lifted the world title: Santos (1962 and 1963), Grêmio (1983), São Paulo (1992, 1993 and 2005), Internacional (2006) and Corinthians (2000 and 2012).

READ MORE: Brasileirão 2025: Flamengo crowned champions

Key players

Flamengo arrive with a squad blending star power and experience. Club stalwarts such as Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique and Pedro are complemented by former European standouts Jorginho, Alex Sandro and Danilo.

Goalkeeper Agustín Rossi, a standout performer during the Libertadores campaign, is another key figure for head coach Filipe Luís. However, fixture congestion looms large: Flamengo have already played 77 matches this season.

PSG, by contrast, come into the final far fresher, having played just 22 games since the European season began in mid-year. Luis Enrique has named a full-strength squad, led by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, the headline act in the Parisian attack.

Despite their domestic dominance in recent seasons, PSG currently sit second in Ligue 1. Even after a weekend win over Metz, they trail leaders Lens by a single point.

Tactical outlook

Tactically, Flamengo are expected to focus on possession control and territorial dominance, key traits of Filipe Luís’ system. Building from the back, the Brazilian side use advanced full-backs and rely on Arrascaeta between the lines, with Pedro or Bruno Henrique acting as the focal point to anchor attacks.

Defensively, Flamengo must cope with PSG’s pace, particularly out wide through Dembélé. Compact lines and smart covering will be vital to avoid open transitions, where the French side are most dangerous. The experience of Danilo and Alex Sandro could be crucial in these moments.

PSG are likely to stick to a high-intensity, vertical approach. Luis Enrique’s team exploit wide areas, give Dembélé licence in one-v-one situations and rely on a balanced midfield to support both phases of play.

High pressing after losing possession remains a defining feature of PSG’s game. By recovering the ball quickly in advanced areas, they can disrupt Flamengo’s build-up, setting up a tactical clash between control and intensity in the final.

Road to the final

As reigning UEFA Champions League winners, PSG advanced straight to the Intercontinental Cup final. In May’s Champions League decider, the French side demolished Inter Milan 5–0 in a statement performance.

Flamengo, representing South America, entered at the quarter-final stage. They edged past Cruz Azul 2–1 before beating Egypt’s Pyramids 2–0 in the semi-finals to book their place in the final.

Head-to-head record

The two sides have met three times in friendlies, with one win apiece and one draw. Flamengo claimed a 2–0 victory in Paris in 1975, while PSG responded with a 3–1 win in 1979. Their most recent meeting came in 1991, a 1–1 draw at Parc des Princes, with Flamengo winning 3–1 on penalties.

Prize money

The Intercontinental Cup offers significant financial rewards. The champions will earn US$5 million, with runners-up taking home US$4 million. Due to their longer path through the competition, Flamengo could pocket up to US$8 million in total prize money if they lift the trophy.